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Elvis Week Treat- Don't Miss "Elvis: From King to Legend 72-73 PART TWO "and it's FREE!
Running 2 1/2 hours, part 2 takes Elvis' story from July 1972 through to the excitement of Aloha.
Thursday 31 August 2023
'Elvis: Houston, Fort Worth, Baton Rouge 1974' FTD in-depth Review: This FTD triple-pack features Elvis' important March 3 1974 Houston Astrodome performance plus two more concerts from Elvis’ third tour of 1974.
In the first half of 1974 Elvis was clearly enjoying performing before the emotional turmoil of ‘Desert Storm’.
The Houston Astrodome show is an important concert recording since there was no orchestra involved, while the two other concerts
- Fort Worth, June 15 Evening Show and Baton Rouge, June 17 - come from the first two cities on Elvis' third tour of 1974.
FTD have already released nine concerts from this particular tour, so can there really be anything new to discover from yet another two concerts?
'Rock 'n' Roll No.1 - MONO II STEREO' New CD: From the French RDM label..... Rediscover Elvis Presley's first album with a new stereo mix! The influence and impact of this album released in 1956 was considerable. This CD edition opens with all twelve tracks from the original US album, as heard around the world on its first release plus the additional five tracks from the UK version as Bonus Material’ along with two further recordings from Elvis’ first RCA single.
Today, CDs and vinyl have reverted to the original mono recordings. However, as technology and
production techniques are constantly evolving, the idea of creating new stereo mixes from mono recordings, with new techniques for separating instruments and vocals originally recorded on a single track, is now possible. The original mono mixes of these tracks were clearly oriented for radio play and were therefore heavily compressed. The stereo mixes newly created for this CD allow you to find the naturalness of the original recordings and give the impression of being in the heart of the studio with Elvis and his musicians.
Of course, the original mono recordings released during this landmark year will forever remain a vital part of rock 'n' roll history and even though that feeling of excitement at hearing a new album from Elvis is now a thing of the past, that doesn't mean we can't embrace new ways of listening to old albums, rediscovering 'The Young Man with the Big Beat' all over again. Audio production by Anthony Stuchbury - 'Info and ORDER here at RDM' - check out the great 'Sound Samples' (News, Source;RDM)
'Elvis News Report September 2023': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including.. More background info regarding the Re-Inventing Elvis doco, Riley Keough on
Priscilla's burial request, the Graceland exhibition coming to London, Joel
Weinshanker announces new Elvis movie, a new Elvis & Lisa duet has surfaced and much much more..
'Elvis: August Season In Vegas 1974' FTD OUT NOW: The new 1974 Las Vegas 3-CD set announced by FTD is at your local Elvis dealer today. Even better the 'How Great Thou Art Sessions' is finally released after months of delay..
.. 'Elvis: August Season In Vegas 1974' features three great shows. August 27 (Evening show), August 29 (Midnight show) and August 30 (Evening show). Considering sonic limitations, these soundboard recordings offer very good sound quality... - 'The How Great Thou Art Sessions' (5CD set)
This 5 CD collection of "complete" session Masters and outtakes is presented in the usual 8”x 8” slipcase with a 28-page booklet featuring notes, photos, session data and memorabilia.
Recorded in May and June 1966, the 3x Platinum winning album also gave Elvis his first 'Grammy' award for "Best Sacred Performance"..... OUT NOW.
Elvis 'Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite' in the charts: The 50th anniversary release of Elvis' classic 'Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite' has made a few, albeit minor, impressions in the worldwide charts this month.
There of course can be no doubt that keen Elvis fans have already bought this release multiple times before.
Serious collectors will have bought the 2022 FTD release (see review here)
Despite all of this the 50th anniv release of 'Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite' has made... - Switzerland Top 100 Album Charts
reached #10 (August 20) - UK Charts
In the UK Official Album sales chart - (this is "real sales", not streaming) -
'Aloha' is at #13.UK - Vinyl Album charts -
'Aloha' is at #33
Interesting to note that the new vinyl concept of 'ELVIS LIVE 1972' made #14 in the UK Vinyl LP charts back in April. (see EIN review)
In the Official UK "Top 100 Album Chart" sadly 'Aloha' did not feature at all with only the classic 'Elv1s: 30 #1 Hits' still sitting at #45.
This is notably above 'The Beatles #1s' at #57.
Sadly it is obvious that "Elvis Week" has even less impact chart-wise in the USA. The Billboard Top 200 has no entry at all for 'Aloha From Hawaii' only 'Elv1s: 30 #1 Hits' at #163 On a more positive note - The Spanish Album Charts has -
'Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite' at #50
The Spanish Vinyl charts has - 'Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite' at #13 - The Scottish Top 100 Album charts -
Last week had 'Aloha' at #13
While the original 1973 'Aloha' LP release made the Billboard Album chart #1 in February 1973 - and UK's #11 maybe it is incredible that a re-release makes any album chart at all fifty years on.
We are sure Elvis would be amazed. (News, Source;EIN)
Elvis in Literature #2 – 'Inside Elvis' by Ed Parker: Continuing EIN’s occasional series of interesting and (hopefully) thought-provoking Elvis excerpts (references/discussions) found in general literature. 'Inside Elvis' by Elvis' good friend and martial arts instructor, Ed Parker, is one of the most liked memoirs by a member of Elvis' inner circle. Originally published in 1978, today it is difficult to find the original hardback.
Thematically, Parker’s book is about who Elvis was as a person. He discusses several subjects not often included in books about Elvis, including Elvis’ interest in psychic healing and UFOs, and he also comments on Elvis’ relationship with Red West.
Ed Kealoha Parker was an American martial artist, actor, senior grandmaster, and founder of American Kenpo Karate. Parker had a minor career as a Hollywood actor and stunt man. His most notable film was Kill the Golden Goose. In this film, he co-stars with Hapkido master Bong Soo Han.
But Parker is best known to Kenpoists as the founder of American Kenpo and is referred to fondly as the "Father of American Kenpo." He is formally referred to as Senior Grand Master of American Kenpo. Parker also authored more than a dozen books, most about the martial arts.
He served as one of Elvis' bodyguards during his final years.
Go to 'Elvis in Literature #2' – Inside Elvis by Ed Parker' for the whole story (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis' influence on singer-songwriter, Chris Isaak: Elvis Presley‘s songs have been a huge influence on Chris Isaak. For example, Isaak said one of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s tunes inspired him to make music.
During a 1996 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Isaak discussed hearing Elvis’ “I Forgot to Remember to Forget.” “I was 20 and didn’t know what I was going to do with myself,” he recalled. “I was doing anything to keep from working. I went to a junk store and bought an old Elvis 45, which you never see — people don’t throw out their old Elvis records. It was the first time I heard something and went, ‘Wow. I want to do this as a job. I want to play music all the time.'”
“My big heroes were the same as everybody else from my generation. Elvis was just like, okay nobody can be that good looking, nobody sings that pretty. The sound of that voice echoed. I just went, that’s the best sound I’d ever heard from anybody.
"When I originally that first Elvis 45rpm and then put it on my record player it changed my life. I think everybody in my generation, we wanted to be Elvis.”
Listen to Chris Isaak’s cover of Can’t Help Falling In Love With You from his Beyond the Sun album (recorded at Sun Studio) (News, Source: CheatSheet/EIN)
Elvis’ cousin is Democratic candidate for Mississippi governor: A cousin of Elvis Presley is the Democratic candidate for governor in Mississippi, after recently winning his primary unopposed. The general election will be held on 7 November. The Democrat, Brandon Presley, said he would advocate for people who struggle to make ends meet. He will face the current Republican governor, Tate Reeves, who defeated two first-time candidates, John Witcher and David Hardigree, a military veteran.
Presley said: “This race is going to come down to … which candidate, and I believe that’s me, has got guts and the backbone to stand up for the people of Mississippi and which candidate has consistently showed us that he will do whatever his lobbyist buddies want him to do and will not stand up for the people of Mississippi.”
Mississippi is one of three states holding races for governor this year.
In his hometown, Nettleton, Presley took the stage at his victory party to 'See See Rider' a song Elvis Presley often used as walk-on music. The candidate said he would not sing, though.
“We’re trying to get votes,” Presley said. “We’re not trying to lose them.” (News, Source: AP;Guardian/EIN)
Friday 25 August 2023
'Elvis Forever 2023':Where were you when Elvis died? What were you doing? Throughout our lifetimes there are very few dates that resonate with such clarity.
While some key historical events such as 9/11 or the Boxing day 2004 Tsunami are remembered, other unique moments are lost as vague memories.
The day of Elvis' death I was recording a "best of Elvis" cassette for my best friend.
A lightning storm was raging through London, the rain pouring down outside when my Mother called upstairs, "Have you heard, Elvis Presley has died?" -
A moment never forgotten.
... I can guarantee you one thing: we will never again agree on anything as we agreed on Elvis.
The newspapers the next day told the story. Go here to EIN's 'Elvis Forever 2023' for emotional reminiscences and also those traumatic news headlines ...
The world would remember, everything would change, but in 2023 Elvis' legacy still lives on.. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Me 'n Elvis' Charlie Hodge book Reprint: The 1984 book from Elvis' good friend Charlie Hodge has long been out of print.
Described as "A beautiful tribute to Elvis by a friend who clearly loved him dearly... another side of the complex and many faceted man that Elvis was."
Recent news posted by Jennifer Hodge is that "The Good news is that Charlie's book is being re-printed as we speak!"
Rockhurst Elvis Week Auction Results: The Elvis Week Rockhurst “Auction on Elvis Presley BLVD”ended last weekend.
The auction featured over 100 significant artifacts from the life and career of Elvis Presley. Featured items include Elvis Owned clothing, Jewelry, Autographs, Personal Effects and More!
The results were fairly low key this year with most of the major items not reaching their miminum bid.
..... Best sales were.. - 1975 Elvis 14K Gold and Diamond Ring with Large Lapis Lazuli Stone (see right)
Final Price: $24,150 (Est: $20,000 - $30,000)
- New York State Police Badge Presented to Elvis at Madison Square Garden Concerts
Final Price: $9,775 (Est: $10,000 - $20,000)
- Elvis "Great Seal of the United States" Eagle Ring - 14K Gold with a Large Diamond
Final Price: $8,050 (Est $4,000 - $6,000)
- Elvis American Flag Pin Given to Linda Thompson
Final Price: $6,900 (Est: $5,000 - $7,000)
- Rare 1955 Elvis signed 1955 Promotional Photo Also Signed By Hank Snow and Jimmie Rodgers Snow
Final Price: $8,050 (Est: $5,000 - $8,000)
- Elvis Personal Script for Viva Las Vegas with His Handwriting!
Final Price: $2,645 (Est $3,000 - $5,000)
- 1970's Polaroid of Linda Thompson Laying on Elvis Presley's Graceland Bed
Final Price: $1,035 (Est: $1,000 - $1,500)
...... The following supposed highlights were sadly passed over. Elvis Presley’s 1970 Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver with 6-Inch Barrel
Min Bid: $20,000 - Final Price: Pass - (Est: $40,000 - $50,000)
- Elvis Presley Signed 1933 Vernon and Gladys Presley Marriage Certificate
Min Bid: $35,000 - Final Price: Pass - (Est: $70,000 - $100,000)
- Elvis 1955 Lord Elgin Wristwatch - Given to Scotty Moore - Worn on Extensively on Stage in 1955-56 and for Earliest National TV Appearances
Min Bid: $75,000 - Final Price: Pass - (Est $180,000 - $200,000)
- Elvis Hand-Notated Copy of The Omen
Min Bid: $20,000 - Final Price: Pass - (Est: $40,000 - $50,000)
No ELVIS music in Priscilla movie!: Director Sofia Coppola has confirmed that EPE refused the use of Elvis' music for the new ‘Priscilla’ biopic!
Written and directed by Sofie Coppola the upcoming ‘Priscilla’ biopic will not include Elvis songs due to the estate turning down involvement in the film.
Even though “Priscilla” is adapted from Priscilla Presley’s memoir “Elvis and Me.”
Coppola reached out to EPE which is majority-owned by ABG at 85 percent, with the Presley family owning the other 15 percent. This would be under Lisa Marie's watchful eye at the time
Coppola noted, “EPE don’t like projects that they haven’t originated, and they’re protective of their brand. But that made us be more creative.”
Instead the “Priscilla” soundtrack has Phoenix covers of classic songs, played by Coppola’s husband and band frontman Thomas Mars.
Cailee Spaeny plays Priscilla, with Jacob Elordi as Elvis.
Priscilla is an executive producer on the film, which was made for less than $20 million.
The film is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival and later screen as the Centerpiece selection for the New York Film Festival.
Following the release of the teaser trailer for the film, the Elvis estate issued a statement claiming they were
were unaware of “Priscilla” being produced.
An estate official stated that the movie's interpretation of Graceland was inaccurate, calling the first trailer “like a college movie.”
In turn, Priscilla praised the film, “I am excited about the interpretation of my book by the masterful Sofia Coppola. She has such an extraordinary perspective and I have always been such an admirer of her work. I’m certain this movie will take everyone on an emotional journey.”
With Riley Keough now in charge it will be fascinating to watch EPE's reaction to the film. (News, Source;Yahoo/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 21 August 2023
Linda Thompson Talks Elvis: Elvis Week 'Conversations on Elvis' ran for 3 and half hours and featured plenty of guests including Ernst Jorgenson, Tanya Lemani (Little Egypt), Guitarist Mike Deasy, TCB's Glen Hardin and actor Lee Majors (see below) but the highlight had to be the wonderful Linda Thompson.
It was her first time ever invited by EPE to Elvis Week and she even took groups of fans on personal tours of Graceland ($1000 a ticket!).
She spoke for 30 minutes and had plenty of stories to tell.
She showed off her "The Mother Of All TLC" pendants designed by Elvis, described how she helped design the Graceland interiors - the Peacock windows are her design - and lots of stories of living in Graceland.
And a loving tribute to Lisa Marie Linda Thompson was a total delight. Watch the interview here on YouTube - thanks to "CC Rider". (News, Source;CCRider/ElvisInfoNet)
"ELVIS : Aloha From Hawaii - Through The Eyes of Japan" New Book for 2024: Coming out in the new year, a beautiful photo book of Elvis' Aloha From Hawaii will be released in January 8, 2024 !
The title is "ELVIS : ALOHA FROM HAWAII - Through The Eyes of Japan".
Fifty years after Elvis’ legendary concert in Hawaii... many valuable, long-lost negatives have been discovered - Beautiful photographs taken by Japanese cameraman, Yoshiji Kizaki.
Mr. Kizaki is one of the few photographers who photographed not only the actual show in January 1973, but also the three Aloha performances and press conference held in November of the previous year.
At last, they will be reprinted from the original negatives and finally published as a gorgeous photo-book!
We have carefully rescanned all of Kizaki's amazing photographs and selected about 300 from them.
Also includes contributions from people involved in the live satellite broadcast and record release.
Includes the treasured photos of the people involved, as well as newspaper and record company documentation from the time.
'Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback' DVD: In an interview this week on the "Ward Bond' show producer Spencer Proffer discussed aspects of his documentary 'Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback'.
Spencer has worked with Stevie Wonder, produced Tony nominated Broadway show 'It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues", Executive Producer on Emmy Nominated "Robbie Robertson: Going Home".
He has served as a Supervising Music Producer on over 129 films and TV programs and events to date.
Spencer Proffer talks about the background details of producing 'Reinventing Elvis', Steve Binder's unwavering truth, Col Parker etc, and also notes that there will a DVD release "with Bonus Features" out "six months from now" ie around Christmas time.
Interview runs 22 min watch Here on YouTube (News, Source;ElvisDayByDay/EIN)
'Hurt' Elvis 1976 Import Vinyl: The publicity states... Out now is the bootleg double LP set called "Hurt".
It features Elvis' July 30 1976 performance in New Haven Connecticut. All tracks are presented in original mono.
This deluxe double lp is packed in a gorgeous gatefold cover and is available in white or blue vinyl.
EIN Note: It is truly hard to believe that fans would chose Elvis' July 1976 concert in New Haven as a great 1976 performance to listen to.
So even stranger to choose to put in on Double-Vinyl.
However LP collectors do like coloured vinyl, so maybe there is a market..
Tracklist is standard 1976 fare
Thousands at Candlelight Vigil?: The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that Graceland officials put the head count at The August 15 Candlelight Vigil as "close to 15,000 people".
EIN's roving reporter did not put the number as quite so high.
From MCA..... "The Candlelight Vigil had a double meaning Tuesday night: The temperature was an extraordinarily pleasant 72 degrees as the fans with lighted candles began the slow, stately hike to the Meditation Garden on the south side of the mansion where Elvis and other members of the Presley family are interred.
The weather was a comfort on an evening when the Presley faithful were mourning not just the King of Rock 'n' Roll but also Elvis' only child Lisa Marie who died Jan. 12 at 54 and whose grave is located opposite her father's.
Early Tuesday evening, however, this year's 45th annual vigil seemed like it would be sparsely attended, perhaps because no Presley family member - not Priscilla, nor Lisa Marie's daughter Riley Keough - was in attendance.
But the people kept coming, and by 830pm. the line at the gates of Graceland was very long, and the closed-to-traffic section of EP Boulevard in front of the mansion
was crowded with diehard fans, curious onlookers, and artists who created makeshift shrines in the road out of Elvis souvenirs, candles and other materials. Graceland officials put the head count at close to 15,000 people." (News, Source;MCA/EIN)
Priscilla Marks Elvis' 46th anniversary: Priscilla posted on X (twitter) her tribute to Elvis. With all the emotion of Lisa Marie's death earlier this year and the family in-fighting, she was not at Elvis Week 2023.
She noted “Today marks the 46th anniversary of Elvis' passing.
His memory never fades.
Thank you to the millions of fans for their continued love.
There will never be another Elvis.
With love and Peace,
Priscilla."
The tribute comes just weeks after Priscilla settled her case with granddaughter Riley Keough.
Riley is now now sole trustee of the Graceland estate while Priscilla received a payout and has been hired to be an advisor for the estate supposedly on a monthly salary. (News, Source;'X'/EIN)
'Elvis Week 'Aloha from Hawaii' 50th Anniv Concert' Review: August 16, 2023 Graceland presented Elvis' Aloha from Hawaii 50th Anniv concert, live on the big screen backed by a live band on stage plus a special guest appearance by TCB Band member Glen Hardin.
EIN roving reporter Mandy Squair was there... .. The concert was sold out and being the musical highlight of Elvis Week 2023 the audience was high with excitement.
Tonight sadly only Glen Hardin from the original TCB band would appear to join the musicians for the final five songs.
Of course, seeing Elvis on the big screen playing LIVE always generates a fabulously exciting and emotional feeling.
Of course, seeing Elvis on the big screen playing LIVE always generates a fabulously exciting and emotional feeling.
Tonight’s show was the Aloha presentation including the added ‘NBC inserts’ with Elvis' post show recorded songs.
Elvis seemed to be on top form as always, even if at times the band lacked that funky genuine Jerry Scheff bass and James Burton’s cutting guitar solos.
And tonight it was only a backing band plus brass section but with no Orchestra. So several of the songs, such as ‘What Now My Love’, felt a little sparse without the usual violin backing section.
It was interesting to know that tonight the backing vocalists included Donna Rhodes who was part of original Elvis recording sessions starting with the 1969 Memphis sessions.
In the middle of the show there was also a delightful segment where Linda Thompson talked about memories of being at Aloha.
In fact Elvis Week 2023 seemed to belong to Linda Thompson. In comparison the 40th anniversary of Aloha which featured a speech by Priscilla (rather than Linda - who was actually at the event!) Glen D Hardin came on for the last segment, starting with ‘I'll Remember You’, with ‘An American Trilogy’ and ‘A Big Hunk O’ Love’ nicely focusing on his piano playing.
It all ended too soon Elvis has left the building - but it certainly was a memorable 50th anniversary tribute to Elvis' landmark concert.
However with no Ronnie Tutt, no Joe Guercio and no Bill Baize who were present at the 40th anniversary Aloha show in Hawaii it is a sad reminder how time slips away....
See EIN '40th Anniversary Aloha 2013 review' here (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis' Women' Documentary NOW on Australian Free-To-Air: The very controversial documentary series 'Elvis' Women' is now available for free on Australian SBS 'ON Demand'
The 'Elvis' Women' three part doco revisits the life, career and unforgettable songs of Elvis Presley through the eyes of the women who touched his life in some way or the other.
Causing a typical UK tabloid scandal the female series director had to explain to the UK newspapers... "Elvis wasn’t a groomer. He wasn’t abusive. The relationships had very little to do with sex. There was not a lot of sex full stop. It wasn't a cult and no one was forced into anything".
Barbara Shearer went on to state how all of the women she interviewed to are "still in love" with Elvis, with them all admitting that they would "do what they did again".
The series features 19 women who all had romantic relationships with Elvis while they were in their teens.
If you live in Australia GO HERE for SBS ON Demand (News, Source;SBS/ElvisInfoNet)
'Australian 2023 Elvis Festival': The 2023 Australian Elvis Festival Adelaide is bringing you Australia’s Favourite Elvis Tribute artists all together this November!
Featuring only the best from Australia, the Line-Up includes Mark Andrew, Brody Finlay, Damian Mullin, Anthony Fenech, Matt Birse, Stuey V & Jack Gatto!
The festival will showcase some of the finest concerts you will ever see across two big days.
The 4 feature shows include ‘Back To The 70’s ’, Roustabout’ The Greatest Movie Hits’ , ‘Elvis in the Jungle, The Intimate Sessions’ and 'Elvis - The Legacy’.
This weekend has been created to bring you Australia’s finest in a weekend that celebrates the unbelievable talent we have in our very own backyard. November 10 & 11: Bridgeway Hotel, Pooraka. (Adelaide)
Tickets on sale see Australianelvisfestival.com.au (News, Source;NP/EIN)
It is 'ELVIS WEEK' again so surely the bootleggers can do better than this? New visitors to EIN need to read our article 'The Collapse of the Elvis Bootleg Empire' - to explain these rather weak releases below ..
Summer Festival: Reflections Of '71 Volume 3: From the 'Stage Recordings' label a 3 CD set featuring 3 AUDIENCE recorded live shows from August 1971. Three more rockin' shows from the very same season. This set contains many highlights like the Beatles' "Get Back" which Elvis only sang five times during this season. "Sweet Caroline" became an almost steady on the setlist during this August season, but did not return in 1972. Beautiful renditions of songs like "I'm Leavin", "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "It's Impossible" are also featured on this set.
Especially knowing no soundboard recordings have yet surfaced, these audience recorded shows are all we are able to enjoy.
All recordings have been painstakingly remastered & repaired.
Included in this box set are:
August 20, 1971 dinner show
August 21, 1971 dinner show
August 21, 1971 midnight show EIN Note: These are 'Audience Recordings' previously in poor audio quality.
It is possible that the August 20 Dinner show is a new find, but somehow I doubt it. See 'All The Elvis CD News 2023' for tracklist... (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Sings For Kids' & 'Elvis Sings Lullabies' Import CDs: After getting cast as "The Villain" in both the 'ELVIS' movie and Steve Binder's 'Reinventing Elvis' documentary Col Parker is back proving that you can flog any old Elvis sh*t to fans.
Following on from his 1978's "Elvis Sings For Children & Grownups Too" Parker has bootleggers putting out crap like this in 2023
From the label "Radio Recorders™" - listen, you can hear the ghost of Andreas van Kuijk laughing at you! Their publicity states...One is never too young to get acquainted with the voice of Elvis Presley. Especially the youngsters among the Elvis fans will remember the first songs they heard of Elvis or the records their parents played for them when they were young.
Out now are two albums that are great keepers or givers, and not just for the little ones. EIN Note:'Elvis Sings For Kids' includes Elvis classics such as 'Old MacDonald', 'Ito Eats', 'Song Of The Shrimp', 'Yoga Is As Yoga Does', 'Britches', 'A Dog's Life', 'Confidence' and 'A Cane And A High Starched Collar' - you really don't get any better Elvis material than this! See 'All The CD News 2023' for tracklist... EIN Note:'Elvis Sings Lullabies' includes Elvis classics such as 'Big Boots', 'Mama', 'Puppet On A String - Film Version', 'In My Way - Film Version', 'Five Sleepy Heads', and 'Dainty Little Moonbeams' - you really don't get any better Elvis material than this! See 'All The CD News 2023' for tracklist... (News, Source;ColParker/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 18 August 2023
Some Elvis Week Highlights - - - - - More Tomorrow
'Lee Majors Talks Elvis': The real highlight of 'Conversations on Elvis' was Lee Majors discussing his interactions and friendship with Elvis.
Lee Majors is also a real character and very funny raconteur. He chatted about Elvis for 25 minutes.
Elvis was a fan of Lee Majors' sixties TV series 'The Big Valley' and while filming 'Clambake' on the same movie lot wanted to meet Lee Majors.
Lee Majors even ended up in a lovely bit-part in Clambake (see below) and saw Elvis in Las Vegas every year.
'Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite' Elvis Week Q&A and Listening Session: Watch producers Ernst Jørgensen / Roger Semon and recording engineer Matt Ross-Spang when Tom Brown talks to them about the new upgraded 50th anniversary release of Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite.
It's very enjoyable viewing including some nice clips, however there was no actual "Q&A" from the audience which would have made it even more interesting.
Delightful to see Ernst Jørgensen, Roger Semon and Matt Ross-Spang all get so excited when discussing the venture.
Runs 80 minutes (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'The 45th Annual Candlelight Service Sheet' - For EIN fans who asked to see it..
16 August 2023 - 46 years ago today the world lost the greatest entertainer of all time.
"Elvis was God-given, there’s no other explanation. A Messiah comes around every few thousand years, and Elvis was it this time.”- Little Richard “I remember Elvis as a young man hanging around the Sun Studios. Even then, I knew this kid had a tremendous talent. He was a dynamic young boy. His phraseology, his way of looking at a song, was as unique as Sinatra’s. I was a tremendous fan and had Elvis lived, there would have been no end to his inventiveness.” - B.B. King
“Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn’t been an Elvis, there wouldn’t have been a Beatles”- John Lennon
"It was like Elvis came along and whispered some dream in everybody's ear, and somehow we all dreamed it." - Bruce Springsteen
"When I first heard Elvis' voice, I just knew that I wasn't going to work for anybody; and nobody was going to be my boss. Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail." - Bob Dylan
"Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique, irreplaceable." - President Jimmy Carter
“I would like to pay tribute to the greatest entertainer of all time, Mr. Elvis Presley. Elvis was Las Vegas. .. He really was the king.” - Celine Dion
"I've been an Elvis fan since I was a kid. If it hadn't been for Elvis, I don't know where popular music would be. He was the one that started it all off, and he was definitely the start of it for me." - Elton John
Watch Candlelight Vigil Presentation REPLAY:Last night the world honoured the life and legacy of Elvis Presley and observed the annual Candlelight Vigil at Graceland on August 15.
The ceremony for the 45th anniversary was organized as always by the Elvis Country Fan Club.
EIN was impressed by the number of youngsters in the crowd this year. The 'ELVIS' movie has obviously created an interest in Elvis for a new generation.
This year special homage was paid to both Elvis and Lisa Marie - and the vigil commenced with their poignant duet "Where No One Stands Alone".
Joel Weinshanker spoke to the crowd noting that, "The only thing important to Lisa Marie was Graceland and her Dad's legacy."
The on-line comments section flowed with loving tributes to Elvis including..
Serena who wrote... "as someone who is part of Gen z and watching the ELVIS movie over and over and listening to his music. Elvis has saved me so much. His music calms me at my worst times."
and Mary M who touchingly noted, "Look at all these fans that love you Elvis. You never thought it would last and that they'd forget you but never ... Your soul is still with us. Thanks for sharing your life with us."
Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated & Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 - Volume 1: After more than two decades research, the first volume of what will be the definitive account of books published about Elvis, is scheduled for release on January 8, 2024.
Compiled and written by EIN's Nigel Patterson, the four volumes of Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated & Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 will comprise around 2,000 pages, with listings for more than 4,000 books and around 2,000 images.
Volume 1 is the first of two detailing English language, “non-fiction” releases. It contains more than 450 pages, listings for more than 800 titles, book covers for more than 500 listings, and interesting Sidebar articles discussing controversial releases and issues in the massive Elvis book catalog.
Elvis as Religion (including Psychic Experiences and Spirituality)
Elvis for Younger Readers
The 'Listings' include available publishing details for the original release and subsequent re-issues (including hardcover, softcover and digital editions) and a book synopsis, which varies between one or two sentences and several paragraphs.
Elvis in Print will be published in hardcover, softcover, and Kindle formats. It will be available from Amazon stores (the hardcover edition will only be available in those countries where Amazon offers this format).
EIN will publish more information and sample pages in the coming months.
Note: The accompanying image is not the final cover artwork. (News, Source: EIN)
'Elvis Presley - Rock‘n Roll No 1' in Stereo: EIN's friend Anthony Stuchbury has announced more about his new forthcoming 'Mono II Stereo' release..
... With today being the anniversary of Elvis’ passing, here’s a further teaser for my forthcoming ‘Mono II Stereo’ Elvis release.
The new CD 'Elvis Presley - Rock ‘n’ Roll No 1' is due for release sometime in September / October 2023, but the track list may not be exactly as you might expect from viewing the front cover artwork.
This new release comes with extensive sleeve notes, and being aware of the current economic climate, the release should be budget priced and affordable to many fans.
I still have people to thank and things to share, but they have to wait for now. - Anthony Stuchbury
More news when we have it.. (News, Source;AS/EIN)
Tuesday 15 August 2023 - - - - ELVIS WEEK - - -
Watch Candlelight Vigil TONIGHT: Tonight the world honours the life and legacy of Elvis Presley and observe the annual Candlelight Vigil at Graceland on August 15.
The ceremony for the 45th anniversary is organized as always by the Elvis Country Fan Club.
You can watch the vigil live from Graceland starting at 8.30pm CT USA = 1.30am GMT on Livestream. 11.30am Sydney time
Upcoming EPE Elvis Projects: EPE managing partner Joel Weinshanker revealed this week to The Commercial Appeal that there are two new Elvis events in pre-production.
Weinshanker explained, "The next Elvis movie project is Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla Presley biopic 'Priscilla' set to hit theaters late October, however that movie is not something the estate is involved with in any way, nor did the estate allow any of Elvis' music to be used.” EIN Note: That is strange as the Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla biopic is based on Priscilla's own autobiography!
"Another two major Elvis media projects are also on the way, one a “network Christmas special coming this year plus another Elvis movie that’s probably two-and-a-half years away."
He noted that, “The estate has a great track record of being involved in great things for people to see, Luhrmann’s recent ELVIS is a prime example. So if something’s coming from the estate, you know it has an honest point of view and it’s something that Elvis would be proud of. And whenever we do something we make
sure that not only is Graceland highlighted but also Memphis.”
Weinshanker also said that Elvis Week attendance for 2023 is likely will be close to the pre-COVID highs of 400,000 to 500,000 visitors a big upswing from 2020, the year of the pandemic shutdown, when about 190,000 people made it to the mansion.
He said the "Elvis" movie was a factor, especially in boosting Elvis' appeal among teenage boys and young men, who apparently admired and identified with Austin Butler's Elvis.
Noting, "That's the one demographic we're seeing more of." (News, Source;EPE/EIN)
‘Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback’ on Paramount+ : The New Elvis documentary starts on streaming service Paramount+ today, August 15 (US / Canada) and internationally on Wednesday, August 16.
Television has been the arena for electrifying watershed musical performances, the Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” Queen at Live Aid, Tony Bennett’s “MTV Unplugged” , that become the stuff of legend: signal moments that are knitted into our understanding of an artist’s life.
But in the long history of the medium, there has been nothing quite as epochal as “Singer Presents … Elvis,” commonly called “The ’68 Comeback Special,” an hour that changed not just the way we looked at Elvis but also the way he looked at himself.
The hour fulfills its metaphorical premise, that of a man going forward by going back, reclaiming his roots and his artistry: Elvis redux. It is arguably, barely arguably, the most significant moment in his career, after the day at Sun Studios in 1954 when Elvis, backed by his own guitar, Scotty Moore‘s electric Gibson ES-295 and Bill Black’s double bass, got real gone for a change.
The program has become the subject of a new documentary, “Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback,” now on Paramount+.
Directed by John Scheinfeld, the film is based largely on the reminiscences of executive producer Steve Binder, who directed the ’68 special and with whom Presley formed a bond of trust to the oft-reported displeasure of his territorial manager, Col. Tom Parker. Binder, whom Parker would interchangeably call “Bindle,” recalls the embattled production, laughing as he goes, like a veteran far enough removed from the war to appreciate its absurdities.
So just in time for Elvis Week this new documentary takes an in-depth look at the historical special dubbed the superstar’s “comeback” performance. 'Reinventing Elvis' also features exclusive footage and interviews Elvis fans won’t want to miss.
Elvis made history on Dec 3, 1968, when he performed “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” live in a studio in Burbank, California. It was one of the most-watched programs of that year and marked a major turning point for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s career.
Within the Paramount+ doco, you’ll get to hear from the special’s original director, Steve Binder, as well as interviews with Elvis experts, memories from Elvis’ audience members and new versions of Elvis hits by musicians including Darius Rucker and Maffio. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-Four' New Deluxe Book: A quick title change on the new book announced by Elvis Files' Erik Lorenzen. Today he updated, "two of the world's most famous Elvis historians, Jean-Etienne Baduel and Keith Flynn, have concluded that all the shows Elvis did from 1969 to 1977 were ELEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR.
Some websites show a special 3am show on September 7/8, 1970, but that didn't happen! The ELVIS FILES team are very happy to have these two on the team."
The book is now a 1,200-page Deluxe set 'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-Four'.
Three volumes, housed in a slipcase.
..
The 3-book-set covers everything from the Opening Night performance on July 31, 1969 until the last concert Elvis ever did on June 26, 1977 at Market Square Arena, Indianapolis.
It includes detailed information on all the concerts, every suit he wore on stage, all the information on every CD ever
released by RCA, Sony and the FTD Collectors label and more. - ─ €269 including postage World Wide.
Go to 'Elvis Files' to Pre-order . (News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 14 August 2023 - - - - 2nd News Update - - - - ELVIS WEEK - - -
"Elvis: From King to Legend 72-73 PART TWO " New Doco: Last week the 'Aloha From Hawaii' 50th Anniversary edition' was released
and on August 16 the 'Aloha' 50th Anniv Concert is being presented at
Elvis Week. So now is the perfect time to watch Part Two of Dennis
Laverty's excellent new documentary "Elvis: From King to Legend 72-73".
Running 2 1/2 hours, part 2 takes Elvis' story from July 1972 through to the excitement of Aloha.
In two parts, this is a new five hour documentary from Elvis super-fan and EIN contributor Dennis Laverty. It is a unique in-depth look at this incredible 12 month period in Elvis' career that is often skipped through in the usual Elvis documentaries.
In PART two the interviews include Linda Thompson, John Wilkinson, Loanne Parker, Joan Deary, Bill Baize, Tony Prince, Bill Belew, Felton Jarvis, Priscilla Presley and many more. There is also a fascinating interview with Aloha's director Marty Pasetta.
EIN Note: This is a labour of love by a serious Elvis fan featuring fascinating footage and interviews that we would have all liked to have seen officially in celebration of Elvis' 1972 50th Anniversary. It is free and is a true celebration. Please find time this ELVIS WEEK to enjoy this lovely documentary. (News, Source; Dennis Laverty/EIN)
'Elvis Week 2023': EIN contributor Mandy Squair is in Memphis and reporting back from the Promised Land for EIN.
She notes that it has been fairly quiet until this weekend - mostly ETA events until now.
EPE's staff commented that this August is really an "off year" after last year's 45th year anniversary and post pandemic.
Until the weekend there appeared to be very few people there.
However things are building up as it heads towards August 16. It was great to see Elvis "Memphis Museum" much improved and expanded over the last couple of years. The Elvis the Entertainer section is brilliant and now Graceland nearly 100 of Elvis' jumpsuits
which Bill Belew designed for Elvis - most of them are now in glass cases around the walls.
The updated Gold / Awards section is also mind blowing as well as the Hollywood section.
It is quite amazing what Elvis achieved in his life.
Angie Marchese confirmed that new things are happening at Elvis Presley’s Memphis with the 'Lisa Marie exhibit' expanded and a new photo opportunity with the Jailhouse Rock exhibit in the Hollywood section.
On the Ultimate VIP Tour we had a guide who took us to through the Archive Building down the back of Graceland, as well as through the Mansion and Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
In the Archive Building is the black 'Story and Clark' piano which used to be in Elvis' music room and was replaced by the old Knabe white piano.
We also got to see other artifacts such as Elvis’ books, boots, and so on, and also the wire guitar key which Elvis was given when he went back to Tupelo with his parents to perform in 1956.
The weather has been quite cool the first week with thunderstorms, though now it’s warming up which is nice!
Tomorrow a 'meet and greet' with Linda Thompson, it will be nice to see her again. .... More news soon
(News, Source;MS/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis Week celebrates the King and his Daughter: The Memphis Commercial Appeal has posted more news about Elvis Week 2023.
In part they noted... .. For Elvis Presley’s literal and extended family of loved ones, friends, former colleagues and fans, this week’s annual celebration of the life and legacy of the King of Rock ‘n' Roll might function like a refuge, something safe and solid, in a year roiled by triumph and tragedy.
Last year's Elvis news was all good, Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS exceeding expectations, winning awards and garnering eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
However by the time the Oscar nominations were announced the Elvis world was in mourning when Lisa Marie died at 54 from what later was determined to be an after-effect of surgery.
Mourning her loss as if she were a family member, thousands of fans gathered Jan 22 on the mansion lawn for Lisa Marie’s memorial service.
Speakers included Axl Rose, Alanis Morissette, Sarah Ferguson, Priscilla and longtime Presley family confidante Jerry Schilling.
Schilling who will be in Memphis for “Elvis Week" says,“It’s been such a rollercoaster year.
It's going to be not only the celebration of her father’s life that happens every year, but a celebration of Lisa’s as well, which I know her father would be proud of.” His tribute titled “A Celebration of Lisa Marie Presley” is set for 5pm Aug 15.
Schilling said the "Celebration" will showcase photographs of and recordings by Lisa Marie, and will feature music from singer Andy Childs. "Lisa Marie would probably tell me, 'It damn well better be entertaining" Schilling knew Lisa Marie from her first breath to her last, seeing her as a newborn and then being at her side when she died. "That's why I always called her 'Memphis.' She always had this Memphis attitude.
Since her son Ben had died, ‘Memphis’ was very reclusive. If anything killed Lisa, it was the death of her son. She loved her children so much, she just couldn’t get over it, as much as she tried.
It was Lisa Marie's enthusiasm for the Luhrmann film that was responsible for getting her out of the house, basically. Her and
Austin Butler really hit it off. Austin Butler, he’s as great a human being off the celluloid as he is an actor on the celluloid. She loved the film and he was a tremendous help for her.
Supporting the film was the first time she really began going out again publicly.
Lisa Marie was loved around the world and as far as Graceland and its iconic status, from what I've seen, it's going to be there a long, long time. I think Graceland will be there as long as the Smithsonian is in Washington."
Reports state that neither Priscilla Presley nor Riley Keough are expected to attend any events during Elvis Week.
Joel Weinshanker, (of EPE) said they were botrh taking a break from public Elvis-related appearances during this tumultuous year, but “Riley will be involved in any number of Elvis media projects in the future.”
“When you see Riley’s involvement with Graceland, I think it’ll be movies and events. I don’t think she’ll be doing a lot of public speaking.”
Go here to MCA for the full story (News, Source/MCA/ElvisInfoNet)
eBay watch - Elvis The Complete Masters Collection: Periodically, EIN trawls through ebay in search of interesting Elvis listings, good buys, and ridiculous listings (usually their asking price). Elvis The Complete Masters Collection, issued by The Franklin Mint to mark the 75th anniversary of Elvis' birth, caught our eye for several reasons.
Initially, its "Buy It Now" price of US$1,800 triggered but our interest grew on exploring the various elements to the deluxe box-set. Apart from the nicely housed 36 digitally remastered CDs, the neat custom-designed carry case opens up to reveal an authentic recreation of Elvis' first commercially released single on the SUN label, That's Alright, Mama/Blue Moon of Kentucky.
The single can be played on what many fans will recall from their youth, a record player.
The "record player" on which the single rests in the case is sadly only a 3D drawing on the lid for the CDs stacked underneath. Each of the 36 CDs is protected by a cardboard cover.
The set is certainly attractive but EIN suggests the asking price is probably too optimistic (even considering that items from licensees like The Franklin Mint are never cheap). (News, Source:ebay/EIN)
- Thanks Tony S!
“Chronology of the Elvis Presley Aura in Thai Society 1957-1973” (Kālānukrom Elvis Presley thī prākot nai sangkhom Thai, Phō̜. Sō̜. 2500-2516) (Nitaya Kanchanawan): Also currently on ebay with an exorbitant asking price is this 2012 release which is one of the rarest and most interesting publications about Elvis (albeit written in Thai).
The 122 page book details Elvis' presence in Thailand. A copy is currently listed on ebay with a "Buy It Now" price of almost US$1,500!
A second copy sold earlier this week for US$220.00. The author, Dr Nitaya Kanchanawan also wrote the book, Elvis On Stamps 1978-2003, as well as several essays about Elvis published in academic journals.
(News, Source: ebay/EIN)
Blue Star Love: The Mystical Life of Elvis Aaron (Second edition): Maia C. Nartoomid's challenging account of her "spiritual" interaction with Elvis is held in high regard by those who believe in new age philosophies, while others see it as incredulous fiction. A sub-title, The Spiritual Life & Mystical Heritage of a Historical Icon is evocative on different levels.
The second, expanded softcover and Kindle edition (455 pages) was recently published. The book description..
Elvis is timeless as are his messages, much of which you will read between the pages of BLUE STAR LOVE.
Elvis Aaron Presley was a brilliant light. He used music to entertain and connect to people and make them laugh. It was his sincere desire to share his spirituality with his fans. In Blue Star Love, his wish now comes true. Take this incredible journey with Elvis as he describes his home in another world, which he calls the Blue Star. Learn of Elvis’ deepest, innermost, self and beliefs about life, love, and reality.
In Blue Star Love you will learn all you ever wanted to know about Elvis, but never knew to ask!
This book was first published in 2013 and a lot has happened on the Elvis front.
Now, in 2023, I added some of my AI Art to enhance this second edition that I hope you enjoy. It is time for Elvis’ spiritual story, in his own words, to have a new awakening on the public scene.
Soon, select portions of Elvis’ audio sharing with Wanda June Hill will evolve into a documentary presentation. (News, Source: Amazon/EIN)
Saturday 12 August 2023 - - - - ELVIS WEEK - - - -
'Aloha from Hawaii' 50th Anniv Release OUT NOW: The 2023 upgrade of 'Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite'" - was released yesterday August 11, 2023. -- To purchase on streaming services - Go here. 'Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite' is the apogee of an astounding career trajectory that began with Elvis' return to live performance in 1968 with an electrifying "comeback" television special that restored him to pop dominance after a seven year hiatus from the concert stage.
For the first time in one authorized package, the entirety of the original January 14, 1973 performance, the previous night's dress rehearsal with a live audience (recorded in case of technical mishaps during the satellite transmission), several bonus tracks inserted into the US broadcast of the event and a Blu-ray transfer of the concert film. The deluxe set includes a 28-page booklet featuring in-depth liner notes penned by lifelong Elvis fan /respected music critic Randy Lewis, rare photos and memorabilia from the event, Ernst Jørgensen and Matt Ross-Spang have fully remixed the album from the original 16-track live recordings, first captured on tape by esteemed mobile engineer Wally Heider and newly digitized for this release with audiophile 24-bit, 192 KHz transfers, to bring fans a fresh listen to what, for many, is the most treasured performance of Elvis' latter-day years on the road.
Jørgensen noted, "To me that is the biggest thing: Aloha never sounded this good and Elvis never sounded this good."
'Elvis Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite'3CD/Bluray Box-Set price $55 and Double-LP VINYL price $37
Purchase via streaming services here EIN Note: Fans report that, as expected, compared to the 2022 'Aloha' FTD version it is only the Rehearsal Concert that has been newly remixed by Matt Ross-Spang.
Similarly the BluRay shows no improvement on previous DVD copies. SEE full details and tracklistings here "Elvis FTD / SONY Release News 2023"
(News, Source;RCA/EIN)
Rockhurst 'Auction on Elvis Presley BLVD' now open: Once again Rockhurst Auctions have their “Auction on Elvis Presley BLVD”Live this sunday, August 13, 2023 Auction in Memphis.
The auction features 114 significant artifacts from the life and career of Elvis Presley. ON-Line is already open for bidding at rockhurstauctions.com
The session will start live bidding on 8/13/2022 at 7:00 PM CDT.
Featured items include Elvis Owned clothing, Jewelry, Autographs, Personal Effects and More!
- Elvis Presley Signed 1933 Vernon and Gladys Presley Marriage Certificate - Signed and Notated by a 13-Year Old Elvis in 1948. One of the earliest examples known of Elvis Presley's signature and handwriting, Elvis signed his name and written the name of his grade school girlfriend as if it were THEIR marriage license.
Estimate $70,000 - $100,000 - Historic Elvis Presley 1955 Lord Elgin Wristwatch - Worn on Extensively on Stage in 1955-56 and for Earliest National TV Appearances. One of the most historic, and amazingly ubiquitous, pieces of 1950's Elvis Presley jewelry in existence.
Estimate: $180,000 - $200,000
- Elvis Presley Owned and Hand-Notated Copy of The Omen - The Book that was "with Him in His Final Hours"
Estimate: $40,000 - $50,000
- Elvis Presley’s 1970 Colt Python .357 Magnum Revolver with 6-Inch Barrel Gifted to His Cousin Billy Smith
Estimate: $40,000 - $50,000
- 1969 Elvis Presley’s .38 Smith & Wesson Snub Nose Revolver
Estimate: $20,000 - $25,000 - 1974 Elvis Presley Signed Document for His Famous Stutz Blackhawk III -
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000 - Elvis Presley Owned and Worn American Flag Pin Given to Linda Thompson.
Elvis "upgraded" to a pin made of gold and precious stones.
Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000
- 1970's Polaroid of Linda Thompson Laying on Elvis Presley's Graceland Bed
Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500 - 1975 Elvis Presley Stage-Worn 14K Gold and Diamond Ring with Large Lapis Lazuli Stone - Elvis Presley Owned Gold Coin Ring (British Gold Sovereign) Given to Graceland Maid Nancy Rooks
Go here to check it out (News, Source;Rockhurst/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS front cover of August TV Guide Magazine': The August 14 'Triple-issue" edition of the US TV Guide Magazine features Elvis on its front cover.
"With its unparalleled access and authority, it's the only publication devoted exclusively to television. It includes celebrity interviews, in-depth previews, sneak peeks and authoritative reviews"
This issue looks at the new documentary 'Reinventing Elvis' which features Steve Binder's account of the night of Elvis’ comeback — the mounting pressure, the intensity of the production, and the fact that Elvis almost didn’t make it onto the stage.
From the get-go, director John Scheinfeld ignites the story he wants to tell with something interesting and a purpose to follow through on. What truly went into the making of that special, and what would it ultimately mean for Elvis Presley?
Riley Keough Talks Elvis & Lisa Marie: Following her new Vanity Fair interview the media have reported that "One year after her daughter was born, Riley Keough has finally revealed her baby's name as Tupelo"
Our readers may remember that EIN posted this news as far back as 25 January 2023!
Vanity Fair explains, "Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen was born via surrogate in August 2022, and her name is in honor of Keough's grandfather Elvis as well as her brother, who died at age 27. The name Tupelo refers to the Mississippi city where Elvis was born, and Storm is for her brother Benjamin Storm Keough."
In the Vanity Fair interview Riley Keough also made these interesting comments... “It’s funny because we picked her name before the ELVIS movie. I was like, ‘This is great because it’s not really a well-known word or name in relation to my family, it’s not like Memphis or something.’ Then, when the Elvis movie came out, it was like, ‘Tupelo this’ and ‘Tupelo that’ I was like, ‘Oh, no.’ But it’s fine.”
I don’t think you ever can be a perfect parent, but I would like to be the best mom for her that I can be. That’s…very important to me.”
Years ago, Riley Keough and her mom, Lisa Marie Presley, would visit for Thanksgiving with Keough’s brother and sisters. They would stay at the official hotel, and when the tourists departed the legendary home for the day, they’d go over and hang out, drive golf carts around the grounds, and celebrate the season together. “When Elvis’s chefs were alive, they used to still cook dinner for us, which was really special. It was very Southern: greens and
fried catfish and fried chicken and hush puppies. Cornbread and beans. Banana pudding.” “There were a few times that we slept at Graceland, but I don’t know if I should say that.” She pauses. The second floor has always been closed to the public out of respect for Elvis’ family because the singer had a fatal heart attack there. Then again, Keough’s family was Presley’s family. Who had the right to be there if not them? “The tours would start in the morning, and we would hide upstairs until they were over. The security would bring us breakfast. It’s actually such a great memory. We would order sausage and biscuits, and hide until the tourists finished.”
In 1994 Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie eloped to the Dominican Republic. The media suspected the marriage was a publicity stunt to rehabilitate Jackson’s reputation, but Lisa Marie denied it: “I am very much in love with Michael. I dedicate my life to being his wife.”
Keough explains,“My whole childhood was probably very extreme. In hindsight, I can see how crazy these things would be to somebody from the outside. But when you’re living in them, it’s just your life and your family. You just remember the love, and I had real love for Michael. I think he really got a kick out of being able to make people happy, in the most epic way possible, which I think he and my grandfather had in common.” It is a surreal fact that Keough has called both Graceland and Neverland home.
“Which one did I like better? I spent more time at Neverland than Graceland, to be honest. That was a real home, whereas Graceland was a museum in my lifetime.”
After Lisa Marie and Jackson split, she married Nicolas Cage. Four months later, they separated.
Keough doesn’t keep in touch with Cage, but says she’d be game to do a movie with him. “He’s a great actor. I’ve had some wild stepfathers. Famous and not famous.”
She steers the conversation back to Danny Keough, whose humble lifestyle had a grounding effect when she was young.
Keough saw her mother Lisa Marie at a party a day after the Golden Globes this year.“We had dinner. That was the last time I saw her. I remember thinking about how beautiful she looked, and that was my strongest memory of the dinner.”
When Keough addresses the accumulated tragedies head-on, the sentences come in pieces: “I have been through a great deal of pain and ... parts of me have died and I’ve felt like my heart has exploded, but I also feel.… I’m trying to think of how to phrase this.… I have strengthened the qualities that have come about through adversity.” (News, Source;VanityFair/EIN)
'Elvis’ Christmas Album' VINYL Re-Release: Sony / Legacy are Re-releasing 'Elvis’ Christmas Album' on VINYL on October 6, 2023. To EIN this seems very odd since it is "Public Domain" and so many expanded versions have been released in the last ten years.
.. Elvis' Christmas Album is the third studio album and first Christmas album by Elvis Presley. It spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. According to the RIAA, Elvis' Christmas Album along with its reissues has shipped at least 17 million copies in the United States.
It is the first Presley title to attain Diamond certification by the RIAA and is also the best-selling Christmas album of all time in the United States. With total sales of more 20 million copies worldwide, it remains the world's best-selling Christmas album and one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Manufacturer: Legacy Recordings -
Release Date: October 6, 2023.
Priced at $23.98
(News, Source;Amazon/EIN)
'Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas' VINYL Re-Release: Sony / Legacy are Re-releasing ''Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas' on VINYL on Oct 6, 2023.
The publicity notes,
.. Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas is the fifteenth studio album by Elvis Presley, released in October 1971. It was his first Christmas album with new recordings since Elvis' Christmas Album (1957). The album's single, "Merry Christmas Baby" / "O Come All Ye Faithful", was later released in November 1971.
This album was a top seller and topped the Billboard Holiday Albums Chart.
Manufacturer : Legacy Recordings Release Date: October 6, 2023.
Priced at $21.98
(News, Source;Amazon/EIN)
Thursday 10 August 2023 - - - - ELVIS WEEK - - - -
'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-Six' New Deluxe Book: Elvis Files' Erik Lorenzen announces the release of the 1,200-page Deluxe set 'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-Six' by him and Jean-Etienne Baduel.
Three volumes, housed in a slipcase.
.. About three years ago Erik was asked by collectors of his books to do a project on the time when Elvis returned to live performing in Las Vegas, and all concerts that followed.
So now, the Elvis Files Team presents the new set 'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-Six'. . that's about the number of concerts Elvis performed since his 1969 return to the stage. The 3-book-set covers everything from the Opening Night performance on July 31, 1969 until the last concert Elvis ever did on June 26, 1977 at Market Square Arena, Indianapolis.
It includes detailed information on all the concerts, every suit he wore on stage, all the information on every CD ever released by RCA, Sony and the FTD Collectors label and more.
Over 1,200 pages, packed with information and the best photos, presented on heavy glossy paper as you are used to from The Elvis Files.
You may want to read the title as 'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-SEX' because Elvis was pure sex on stage.
Elvis Presley thrilled audiences for decades with his legendary swagger, good looks and unique vocal style. Among his many concerts, the one that garners a lot of historical attention is his final performance at the Indianapolis’s Market Square Arena on June 26, 1977. His final performance to a crowd of nearly 18,000 people.
The good news is that is available earlier than planned, as this was supposed to be a Christmas 2023 release. This new 1,200-page Deluxe set covers it all.
We made only 1,000 copies, so don't miss out.
And offered to you at a discounted rate ─ €269 (US$300) including DHL EXPRESS World Wide.
Go to 'Elvis Files' to order and check more pages. (News, Source;EF/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis Week 2023 "A celebration fit for the king!" EPE are promoting .... Make your plans to join us in Memphis for an unforgettable week filled with live music, panels, contests, screenings and more!
The Graceland Soundstage features nightly concerts and screenings....
Elvis Week 2023 highlights include..
- Aloha from Hawaii 50th Anniversary Concert (Aug 16) featuring Elvis on the big screen backed by a live band;
- ’68 Special Enhanced Screening (Aug 14) with Elvis bigger than life in black leather;
- the annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (Aug 10 & 12) and performances by many of EPE's past UETA winners (Aug 9 / 11)
- Conversations on Elvis (Aug 15), with those who knew Elvis best sharing memories and stories;
- A Celebration of Lisa Marie Presley with Jerry Schilling (Aug 15); plus the cornerstone event of the week,
- The annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15 where fans gather in quiet remembrance of the king. - Go here for Elvis Week 2023 Schedule / Info and tickets
- Or for ticketsvisitVirtualElvisWeek.com. (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Riley Keough Talks Priscilla: Vanity Fair have published an interview with Riley Keough about where she stands with regard to Priscilla after the legal wrangling post Lisa Marie's tragic death.
Keough says that the family is recovering from the “upheaval” that the legal battle created.
Keough is now official sole trustee of Lisa Marie’s estate and the owner of Graceland, in spite of Priscilla’s attempt to contest a 2016 announcement that ousted her as one of the trustees.
In the recent interview Riley addressed the odd tabloid reports that Priscilla may not be allowed to be buried at Graceland someday.
She said, “I don’t know why she wouldn’t be buried at Graceland. I don’t understand what the drama in the news was about. Yeah. If she wants to be, of course. Sharing Graceland with the world was her idea from the start. I always had positive and beautiful memories and association with Graceland. Now, a lot of my family’s buried there, so it’s a place of
great sadness at this point in my life.
But things with Grandma (Priscilla) will be happy. They’ve never not been happy.”
There was a bit of upheaval, but now everything’s going to be how it was. She’s a beautiful woman, and she was a huge part of creating my grandfather’s legacy and Graceland. It’s very important to her. Elvis was the love of her life.
Anything that would suggest otherwise in the press makes me sad because, at the end of the day, all she wants is to love and protect Graceland and the Presley family and the legacy. That’s her whole life. So it’s a big responsibility she has tried to take on.
None of that stuff has really ever been a part of our relationship prior to this. She’s just been my grandma.”
Priscilla will be a special adviser to the trust and receive a monthly payment for her role.
According to court reports Keough, will pay Priscilla $1 million as a settlement and cover legal fees.
Priscilla will also become a "special adviser" to the trust and receive a monthly payment for her role. (News, Source;Tabloids/EIN)
Tuesday 8 August 2023
'Las Vegas Summer Festival 1972' MRS CD Review: This 4CD set contains a varied selection of live performances drawn from Elvis’ seventh engagement in the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel during Elvis’ summer festival in the month of August 1972.
It features the 11 August Dinner and Midnight Show plus 12 August Dinner and Midnight Show. For the first time ever these performances are released in "Stereo". Bonus rehearsal tracks, recorded days before the engagement began, are also included.
The accompanying 40-page booklet includes rare photographs, memorabilia and liner notes help set the scene.
Key songs include My Way, Fever, Its Over, Until It’s Time For You To Go, American Trilogy, What Now My Love, Little Sister/ Get Back, Never Been To Spain, For The Good Times and A Big Hunk O' Love'.
Elvis was in superb form and with more new songs in his set-list sounding even better with the new MRS audio remaster it is a power-packed set.
'Elvis Week 2023; Starts Tomorrow: With Elvis Week about to kick off Bob Mehr at the Memphis Commercial Appeal posted "5 things to know about Elvis Week".
It includes....
Elvis Week 2023 will mark the 46th anniversary of the passing of Elvis Presley.
The annual festivities are expected to draw tens of thousands of fans from across the U.S. and all over the world.
1. This year's Elvis Week kicks off August 9 and runs through Aug 17. The Candlelight Vigil is at 8:30 p.m. Aug 15 at the Gates of Graceland.
2. The bulk of official Elvis Week events take place in and around the Graceland complex including the Graceland Mansion, Graceland Soundstage and Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
3. The weather will be HOT. Temperatures are expected to hit daytime peaks in the high 80s to the mid 90s, with lows ranging from the low to high 70s.
Bring your sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
4. For those who aren’t in Memphis or just want to enjoy the festivities from the comfort of their own home there is Virtual Elvis Week an online experience.
To purchase ticketsvisitVirtualElvisWeek.com.
5. For the full Elvis Week Schedule and tickets - Go here for Elvis Week 2023 Schedule / Info and tickets
See his full Comm-Appeal article here. (News, Source;MCA/EIN)
Sunday 6 August 2023
FTD collectors should note that the delayed 'How Great Thou Art Sessions' 5CD collection of "complete" Masters and outtakes - that was supposed to be released by the end of July - is now possibly delayed to the end of August, to be distributed along with the new'Elvis: August Season In Vegas 1974' set.
Riley Keough Official New Owner of Graceland and Sole Heir of Presley Estate: Friday August 4, almost three months after Riley Keough settled her courtroom battle over her mother Lisa Marie Presley’s estate, the actress has been named the sole trustee.
The 33-year-old actor and musician was approved by LA Superior Court on Friday, August 4, according to court documents. The new ruling also allows Keough to preside over the sub-trusts for her twin sisters, Harper and Finley. Riley also retains sole ownership of Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate, which Lisa Marie inherited following his 1977 death.
While Riley did not openly address the earlier legal battle or Priscilla’s ealier claims, it was confirmed in May that they settled the case.
The two women had agreed to make Riley the sole trustee of Lisa Marie’s estate with the twins serving as sub-trustees. Per the agreement Priscilla receives a one-time lump sum of $1 million from the estate account. (News, Source;Yahoo/ET/ElvisInfoNet)
More ELVIS ‘Mono II Stereo’ on a new label!: EIN contributor and audio specialist Anthony Stuchbury has been signed up by a new record label to release more of his ‘Mono II Stereo’ Elvis audio work.
The new releases are likely to be out in September / October.
His new deal has the full support of Henrik Knudsen's Memphis Mansion label who recently released his impressive 'From Elvis At Sun' cd.
Anthony Stuchbury sent us this little cover image as a teaser.
Elvis 1977 mink coat sells for US$165k at UK Auction: A custom-made coat worn by Elvis Presley in 1977 has sold for more than US$160,000 at a UK auction, close to ten times more than the pre-auction estimate.
The leather and mink garment, worn by Elvis during the last year of his life, went under the hammer at Henry Aldridge & Son auctions Devizes, Wiltshire UK on Saturday. It was purchased for US$165,000 by a US collector.
Auctioneer Henry Aldridge had previously suggested that they expected the coat to reach around US$16,000.
Elvis gave the coat which is 120cm (4ft) in length, to the brother of his fiancée Ginger Alden before his death in 1977.
The lot was accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Rosemary Alden Starkey, who is Ginger Alden's sister.
Auction bidders and Elvis fans had the idea that it was the fur coat that Elvis was photographed wearing at Ginger Alden's grandfather's funeral on January 3, 1977 - see pic below left - however the coats do not look similar.
Update- thanks to EIN's friend Emiel Maier (Elvis Presley News Report) who spotted the actual coat being worn by Elvis in this photo (below right) with Linda Thompson.
The COA from Rosemary (Alden) noted 'One night while my sister Ginger was at Graceland visiting, Elvis decided to go through his closet and asked Ginger if he thought that my brother Mike could wear this mink jacket as my brother was about the same size as Elvis - and Elvis wanted to give it to him as he was very fond of Mike".
Auctioneer Henry Aldridge had previously said they acquired the coat from a client who had bought the garment during an annual Elvis Presley auction held at the singer's former home at Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee.
He said: "For me it encapsulates the glamour of 1970s Vegas, Elvis in a mink coat."
- Elvis' gold owl-shaped ring was also sold for US$18,000 at the auction
(News, Source;Emiel Maier/ EIN)
'Riding The Rainbow' New Rockwell Vinyl: UK's public domain Rockwell records label have issued their new "1961 (part III)" release 'Riding The Rainbow'.
Released on GREEN Vinyl.
The album features 13 tracks.
Side One: Follow That Dream / Angel / What a Wonderful Life / I'm Not the Marrying Kind / Good Luck Charm / Anything That's Part Of You / Night Rider
Side Two: Riding the Rainbow / Home Is Where the Heart Is / A Whistling Tune / I Got Lucky / This Is Living / King Of The Whole Wide World
NOTE: EIN is a sucker for cool album covers and Kid Galahad compilations.
Priced at £25.
'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' Opening Night Review: Sydney Australia 's opening night of 'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' was given its first review by City Hub's John Moyle. The review includes ... Billed as a bio-musical, Elvis:A Musical Revolution is told through a series of vignettes based loosely on events and anecdotes about the King’s life, often in his own words, and accompanied by over 40 songs highlighting his career that ranged from hillbilly music, gospel, blues, rock and roll to show tunes.
For much of the show, Elvis (Rob Mallett) is on stage with his original band The Blue Moon Boys, while his mother Gladys and father Vernon, music producer Sam Philips and manager Colonel Tom Parker also accompany him on his rise to fame.
One character who proved to be a crowd favourite on the opening night was Kid Elvis, who also provides the touchstone to his life throughout the production.
Musical highlights, of which there are many, start with Kid Elvis and Gladys singing “Peace in the Valley”, performing it in perfect falsetto harmony that provides a moment of great tenderness.
The second act brings the music of Elvis into maturity and the scene where Elvis struggles with a new band to shape “Hard-Headed Woman” illustrates how hard he worked to capture the performance.
Elvis’ duet with Frank Sinatra (Ben Hall) on “Love Me Tender” and “Witchcraft” is an example of a great lead being supported by equally talented cast members.
The full company work with Mallett to bring the show to a glittering close with “Burning Love” and “Suspicious Minds”, moments worthy of the price of admission alone. Throughout the show Mallett is comfortable in Elvis’s skin without resorting to mimicry and always in control vocally.
Across the production, the choreography (Michael Ralph) shines and makes the most of the set in its many guises and the size of the State Theatre’s large stage.
When Hollywood Elvis becomes smitten by Viva Las Vegas co-star Ann-Margaret (Kirby Burgess) it brings about a heart breaking confrontation from Priscilla.
It also gives Burgess her moments to shine in one of the most stunning dance routines seen on Sydney stages for years.
Under the musical direction of Daniel Puckey the songs have taken on a fresher and tougher R’nB feel and full credit to the band for their delivery. Go here to 'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' for Sydney and Melbourne tickets
See full City Hub review here (News, Source;CityHub/EIN)
Friday 4 August 2023
'Elvis and the Colonel' New Book: Described as 'An Insider's Look at the Most Legendary Partnership in Show Business' by Greg McDonald and Marshall Terrill. 'Elvis and the Colonel' is a fresh biography of legendary manager Col Tom Parker, with a contrarian and corrective point of view.
Colonel Tom Parker, often reviled in his time, led the strategy from the earliest days of Elvis's career. Together, they built the most legendary partnership in show business. For the first time, Col Parker's story is told by an insider, Greg McDonald, who worked under Parker for years. Never-before-heard stories of Parker's collaboration with Elvis reveal the man behind the legend and the strategies that made Elvis a commercial groundbreaker.
Ingrained lore has it that Parker took advantage of "poor country boy" Elvis to sign the singer who became "The King". But Elvis and the Colonel shows that Elvis was not foolish when it came to business arrangements. This book is full of stories of innovations Parker made with his star client, including:
--ingenious merchandising (eg, selling both "I love Elvis" and "I hate Elvis" buttons)
--licensing and branding, from suits to toys, ashtrays to guitars
--establishing The King as an artist-in-residence in Las Vegas
--creating televised concert events, like Elvis' Christmas special
Many of the practices Parker established are still deployed today by most major agencies. Parker's experience as a carny and an immigrant shaped his management style when he was at his peak. The heart of Elvis and the Colonel is the long, strong, warm and complex relationship between two iconic men.
From St. Martin's Press. -
Out November 2023 (News, Source;MarshallTerrill/EIN)
'Elvis: August Season In Vegas 1974' New FTD: A new 1974 Las Vegas 3-CD set has been announced by FTD. Out at the end of August.
.. As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'Elvis: August Season In Vegas 1974' at the Hilton Hotel.
Released as a 3-CD 5" digi-pak, this set features three great shows. August 27 (Evening show), August 29 (Midnight show) and August 30 (Evening show). Considering sonic limitations, these soundboard recordings offer very good sound quality. EIN Note: Elvis was sick and cancelled both performances on August 26, 1974 so the August 27 Dinner show was his "big return".
It is great to have more shows from 1974. FTD have already released these five August 74 concerts... Nevada Nights 2CDs- Aug 19 Opening + Aug 21 MS ELVIS: Las Vegas ‘74 2CDs - August 20 Dinner + Midnight It's Midnight - Aug 24 Midnight Show Go to 'Elvis FTD / SONY News 2023' for tracklists (News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
'Reinventing Elvis' Official Trailer: The new trailer has been released for 'Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback' a documentary that will premiere on Paramount+ on Tuesday August 15 in the US / Canada and internationally on Wed August 16 in the UK, Latin America, Brazil, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.
Written and directed by John Scheinfeld, the documentary establishes what’s at stake early on as Steve Binder recounts the night of Elvis’ comeback, the mounting pressure, the intensity of the production, and the fact that Elvis almost didn’t make it onto the stage.
What truly went into the making of that special, and what would it ultimately mean for Elvis Presley?
See EIN detailed review here (News, Source;EIN)
Australia's 'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' Opens Tomorrow: Australia's premier of 'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' is this Saturday August 5. Originally it was due to start a few days ago.
Tasmanian-born Rob Mallett, 32, plays Elvis.
In a recent publicity article in the Sydney Morning Herald Rob Mallett explained...
“The director asked us to imagine how it must have felt to see an artist like Elvis for the first time. We live in a landscape that is saturated with content, where algorithms decide what you’ll see based on your tastes, but back then you really did discuss last night’s television
around the water cooler. To see Elvis must have been both strange and exciting; he was the punk rock artist of his time in the sense that he was a rule-breaker who busted out of this conservative culture.” “You can almost draw a direct line between Elvis and those who came after him.” Watching Mallett rehearse a scene set to Blue Suede Shoes, standing on his toes while gyrating his hips and swinging his arm, shows the director Alister Smith made the right casting choice.
“Most people’s knees only bend in one direction but when you’re dancing like Elvis, your knees bend in ways they shouldn’t. I have a sauna where I’m staying and man, have I used it.
The version of Elvis I had in my head was this tragic figure but I now realise that he changed the world through music and culture.”
While countless books, films and documentaries
have dissected Presley’s life – including his prescription drug addiction that contributed to his untimely death in 1977 – A Musical Revolution culminates with the triumphant '68 comeback special.
Mallett is aware of fans expectations. “I do feel the pressure, especially after the impeccable job Austin Butler did in the Elvis film. It’s both a blessing and a curse that Elvis is so famous but at the end of the day, I have to release myself from that pressure and do the best interpretation I can. Elvis himself didn’t do a consciously stylised performance. He just cut loose and did what came naturally because his magic was innate.” The show opens in Melbourne on September 30 after its Sydney run.
Go here to 'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' for Sydney and Melbourne tickets (News, Source;SMH/EIN)
Lisa Marie’s final home sold: Lisa Marie's final home - which she actually rented and did not own - has sold after just two days on the market.
Lisa - who died on January 12 after she had a heart attack at the house - lived in the Calabasas, CA, property with her 14-year-old twin girls Finley and Harper, and musician ex-husband Danny Keough from 2020 until her death.
The home - which Lisa had reportedly intended to buy herself after renting for a few years - was on the market for more than $4.6 million. Realtors Robb and Nikki Friedman have said that they got "top dollar for the place".
The sellers completed some renovations on the home following Lisa Marie's death in January.
The 7,440-square-foot mansion boasts six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, as well as a large outdoor pool and eating area overlooking a canyon.
Mum-of-four Lisa Marie, who also had daughter Riley Keough, 34, and whose son Benjamin Keough died by suicide in 2020 was found unresponsive in the residence in January after going into cardiac arrest.
Sadly she was pronounced dead hours later. (News, Source;EIN)
Tuesday 1 August 2023
(Film Review) Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback…..”a battle for artistic integrity”: EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently immersed himself at the cinema watching John Scheinfeld’s documentary film, Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback (based on Steve Binder’s account of the making of Elvis’ legendary Special). Reinventing Elvis takes a deeper dive into the making of the Comeback Special, featuring interviews from some of the surviving performers and audience members, as well as Presley experts placing it in the context of the times and the singer's career.
Nigel left the cinema after viewing a fascinating and illuminating account full of drama, humor, and ultimately reclamation. Read Nigel’s full review
Elvis Opening Night Las Vegas 1969 - 54 Years Ago Today:On July 31st 1969 Elvis stepped onstage in Las Vegas to begin his run of fabulous Las Vegas seasons and to cement his "comeback". Ian Fraser-Thomson was the only fan to witness Elvis' rehearsal, Opening Night and the Press Conference afterwards. "On Opening Night, the electricity was palpable. The anticipation of the crowd on this potentially precipitous and momentous occasion lent to an uneasy and anxious anticipation of what was about to be revealed before their eyes and ears. When the lights were dimmed the crowd was unsettled, almost agitated and loud and then when the horns and the band ignited in the famous loop intro, the crowd was temporarily silenced, women screamed and all eyes and crowd energy focused on the expected entry point and when Elvis appeared and when like a dancer sidestepped across the stage, a powder keg exploded followed by a residual thunder of applause and screams welcoming Elvis. Because Elvis was the true royalty in the room he was given what was due to him from the film and music stars present. He was at that moment the undisputed "King" and those present were his subjects. The show was a knockout. Standing ovations throughout." Go HERE to his great 2010 EIN article about eavesdropping on this stunning event.
(Interview, Source;PEP/ElvisInfoNet)
'Direct from Graceland' New UK Exhibition: Last year Australia hosted the exhibition 'Direct from Graceland' and now it will open in London, UK in October. The EPE publicity notes.. 'Direct from Graceland: Elvis' is a major new retrospective exhibit that will open October 2023 at Arches London Bridge.
The exhibit will feature over 400 artifacts that have never been seen in the UK. EIN Note: This is not quite true as a lot of these artifacts were at the 2015 'Elvis 02' exhibition.
Graceland Archives has assembled a powerful narrative that will explore Elvis’ meteoric career, larger-than-life persona, influential sense of style, life at Graceland, plus lesser-known aspects of his early years, hobbies and personal life.
In over 1020 sq mts, Arches London Bridge provides cavernous gallery space to showcase Direct From Graceland: Elvis. The exhibition will feature artifacts owned by Elvis Presley, direct from Graceland - including his military uniforms, his American Football uniform, his TCB Super Trike Motorcycle and Ferrari Dino GT4, and a fantastic array of his famous jumpsuits – plus personal items like Lisa Marie’s baby clothes, Elvis’ first job application and the crayon box he took to school.
This exclusive exhibition explores the extraordinary life and style of the best-selling solo recording star of all time, who single-handedly changed the face of popular culture around the globe like no one before him or since.
Among the items from Graceland that will be displayed is Elvis' red MG automobile as featured in his classic film "Blue Hawaii" a gold-plated rotary dial telephone from Elvis' upstairs bedroom, the keys to Graceland and his gold microphone used on stage in Las Vegas, 1969. Some of the most recognizable items traveling from Memphis to London are the Gold Lamé Suit plus one of the two jumpsuits he used for his 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" special and the cape he famously tossed into the audience at the end of the show.
Go here for more info and tickets ELVIS Arches London Bridge. (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
'Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback' Review: Opening in cinemas worldwide last night, "MovieWeb" have described the new documentary as "An eye-opening look at Elvis' major Comeback attempt". Their review includes...
.. Elvis may have died on August 16 1977 but his music, passion for the craft, and his legendary status as the King of Rock ’n’ Rock continues to live on to this day. Audiences never tire of The King. Baz Luhrmann’s stunning biopic ELVIS nabbed Academy Award nominations while 'Priscilla' from director Sofia Coppola hits theaters in September.
There have been numerous adaptations of Elvis' life and just when you think you’ve learned everything about the man, another filmmaker comes along and surprises you with something inventive. This time, it is John Scheinfeld, who wrote and directed the captivating documentary 'Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback'.
The documentary establishes what’s at stake early on as Steve Binder recounts the night of Elvis’ comeback — the mounting pressure, the intensity of the production, and the fact that Elvis almost didn’t make it onto the stage. From the get-go, director John Scheinfeld ignites the story he wants to tell with something interesting and a purpose to follow through on. What truly went into the making of that special, and what would it ultimately mean for Elvis Presley?
Most documentaries have a gaggle of talking heads. It’s no different here, however its makes great use of the commentators they bring on board.
There’s singer/songwriter Darius Rucker, actor/singer Drake Milligan, and author Gillian Gaar (see EIN interview here), among others. All of it helps weaves together a story you feel inclined to stay with until the very end.
The heart of the doc, it seems, comes from Binder’s own revelations, which have long been kept under wraps. His interest is in Elvis the man, Elvis the entertainer, and Elvis the great television presence — he was expected to create a showstopping TV event at the time — shines through mightily. Interestingly, while the documentary does leap back through Elvis’ history, it doesn’t stay there too long to weigh this project down. We learn how the NBC special came to life and what happened to Elvis before, during and, perhaps, after that. And, how Binder had an entirely different
vision for the special, which Elvis' manager, Colonel Parker, didn't jive with. Watching and hearing how that played out is downright fascinating. 'Reinventing Elvis' offers yet another passionate look at an icon nobody wants to forget. And these glimpses back into 1968, and seeing Elvis on stage, is a treasure. The best moment in this doc, and perhaps that beloved special from so long ago, is watching Elvis Presley croon the song If I Can Dream in its entirely. Talk about showstopping.
For tickets and info on more cinema showings this week World-wide - GO HERE now.
Go here for full Movieweb review (News, Source;Movieweb/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis News Report August 2023': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including.. Re-Inventing Elvis new doco, Anita Wood RIP, Priscilla the movie, fans' favourite Elvis Funeral songs, Elvis airplanes, restoring an Elvis movie poster and much much more..
Lisa Marie Final Home For Sale: Lisa Marie's Calabasas, CA, home where she lived up until her tragic death has been listed for US$4.6 million.
Lisa Marie moved into the home in 2020 but was only renting the property with the option to buy when she died unexpectedly in January. She did not own the property.
The home includes six bedrooms and seven baths. It includes a home theatre, a wine cellar, a pool and views of the surrounding canyon.
Lisa Marie lived there with her ex-husband Danny Keough and her twins Harper and Finley, 14, whom she shared with her ex, Michael Lockwood.
The news of Lisa Marie's being put up for sale comes just weeks after her official cause of death was released.
The report revealed that Lisa Marie died from sequelae of small bowel obstruction and that drugs did not contribute to her death. (News, Source/EIN)
Elvis News from earlier this week
‘Las Vegas Closing Night 1972’ New MRS: The UK ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) label will release a deluxe 2CD set, and an single VINYL LP titled ‘Las Vegas Closing Night 1972’ both on 29th September 2023.
The CD and the LP features a live performance recorded on 4 September 1972, during the last night of Elvis’ seventh engagement in Las Vegas at the Hilton Hotel.
The show is presented in stereo.
A bonus CD of remastered rehearsal tracks, recorded days before the engagement began, is also included.
The accompanying booklet - featuring rare photographs and memorabilia from the final evening – also includes liner notes that set the scene.
Please note the bonus CD is not available on the LP.
This is a follow up to their successful 4cd set ‘Las Vegas Summer Festival 1972’ Go to 'All The CD News 2023' for tracklistings
EIN Note: The 4 Sept Dinner show has previously been released in mono by FTD 'Destination USA' and also the 2009 Madison bootleg 'A Hilton Double Shot' (News, Source;MRS/ElvisinfoNet)
LP TRACKLIST Sept 4 1972 (Dinner Show)
SIDE A
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra
02. See See Rider
03. Johnny B. Goode
04. Until It’s Time For You To Go
05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
06. Polk Salad Annie
07. What Now My Love
08. Fever
09. Love Me
10. Blue Suede Shoes
11. Heartbreak Hotel
12. All Shook Up
SIDE B – 26:42
01. Love Me Tender
02. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
03. Little Sister / Get Back
04. Hound Dog
05. I'll Remember You
06. Suspicious Minds
07. For The Good Times
08. A Big Hunk O' Love
09. You Gave Me A Mountain
10. Can't Help Falling In Love
'Elvis 1970 Houston' by Paul Belard: An announcement we missed. The new book by Elvis author Paul Belard 'Elvis 1970 Houston' is out now.
This is Belard's first book looking at Elvis in the seventies and it investigates the week of Feb 25 to March 2 when Elvis presented his first concerts outside Las Vegas at the Astrodome in Houston.
The six Houston shows attracted 207,494 people and set an attendance record for the Astrodome. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo’s main goal was to raise scholarship funds for needy boys and girls. Of all the celebrities that performed at the rodeo concert series, Elvis made the biggest impression. They had to go through tough negotiations with the Colonel to get Elvis booked, and although they explained to the Colonel that this was an event for which they volunteered and did not make a profit on, the Colonel responded, “Well, so we can get this thing off on the right foot: I won’t give anybody a stick of gum. Now y’all start talking.”
The book is in large format, 200 pages, includes hundreds of images.
EIN review coming soon. (News, Source;PB/ ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis UK Beyond RCA' Print Edition. To satisfy collectors who need physical versions of books rather than E-Books, UK authors John Townson and Gordon Minto are now publishing a soft-backed PRINT COPY of 'Elvis UK Beyond RCA The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley's British Non-RCA LPs 1974-1997'.
It is a second edition, updated and slightly revised. The book is a newly written 377 page, fully comprehensive text, follows on from our previous publications in the Elvis UK series, each of them acclaimed by collectors, and provides the ultimate guide to Elvis’s non-RCA LP album releases issued in the UK between 1974-1997.
This new volume complements - and extends considerably - information relating to these particular releases included in our original books Elvis UK, published in 1987, and Elvis UK2, published in 2002
The softback book is being sold exclusively through Now Dig This / Elvis The Man And His Music.
It will retail for £45 (includes p&p in the UK) overseas customers will have to pay the higher postage costs.
Go here toElvis The Man And His Musicfor more info and to purchase.
Read EIN's'Elvis UK Beyond RCA' book review here (News, Source;GM/ElvisInfoNet)
Vintage Rock #64: The new issue of the excellent UK magazine Vintage Rock features Little Richard and Elvis once again.
They travel to Little Richard's hometown of Macon, Georgia, to uncover the Architect of Rock'n'Roll's complex relationship with the city that banished him before later realising his genius.
They also talk to Donna Presley who reveals all to Vintage Rock about her years spent living at cousin Elvis' Graceland mansion and Circle G ranch. Plus there's more Elvis action as we grab our popcorn to take a deep dive into his finest big-screen role in King Creole.
Elsewhere, we meet Giles Martin who takes us inside his immersive reimagining of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album and catch up with Liverpool rockabilly trio Furious as they mark their 20th anniversary in the music business.
Lisa Marie's Twin Daughters 'lawyer up': According to the US media, the battle over Lisa Marie's estate is far from over, as 14-year-old twins Harper and Finley have now retained lawyers to ensure they are getting a fair share of the Elvis Presley fortune.
Having witnessed the family infighting that started only weeks after Lisa Marie's tragic death maybe this is purely a sensible legal move.
In the new legal filing, obtained exclusively by The Blast, 14-year-old twins Harper and Finley Lockwood are requesting a guardian ad litem for Lisa Marie’s trust case that their sister Riley Keough filed back in June.
The twins want their legal protection because they are minors, and there remains a dispute over the distribution of the massive Presley estate. Basically, they want to ensure they get paid everything they are entitled to while the remaining family members all carve out their pieces.
Both twins are beneficiaries of the Trust.
In June 2023 Riley Keough and Priscilla finally reached an agreement over the late Lisa Marie’s estate.
It was noted that "In settling the claims pending in Priscilla's Petition, the parties are saving significant legal fees and are likewise avoiding the spectacle of intra-family litigation that would have not in the best interests of the family.” Riley was named the sole Trustee of her mother’s estate and the sub-trusts for her 14-year-old twin sisters, Harper and Finley Lockwood. She is now charged with safeguarding and investing the money “in a manner consistent with the needs of the beneficiaries, and not influenced by the desire of a Trustee.”
Lisa Marie’s half-brother, Navarone Garibaldi, was granted one-ninth of the Trust, according to the court filing. The rest will be split among Riley, Finley, and Harper.
Priscilla will receive a one-time, lump sum payment from the Trust for an undisclosed amount.
According to court documents Priscilla was removed as the Trustee from her daughter’s estate on May 11. (News, Source;Yahoo/ElvisInfoNet) - EIN thanks Larry C for the word-up
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in July ...
'Reinventing Elvis: The ‘68 Comeback' In Cinemas: As EIN reported on June 30, this new documentary film will will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ Tuesday, August 15 in the US and Canada and internationally on Wednesday, August 16 in the UK, Latin America, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. However 'Reinventing Elvis: The ‘68 Comeback' will play on more than 800 movie screens worldwide beginning July 30 for special presentations.
For tickets, along with complete local date and showtime information World-wide - GO HERE now.
In Australia, 'Reinventing Elvis' has been announced for “big screen” showings in selected Hoyts Cinemas from Sunday, July 30 (more than a fortnight before the Paramount+ debut!) - Aussie fans check your local Hoyts Cinema website or above link for screening details. 'Reinventing Elvis: The ‘68 Comeback' will be accompanied by special cinema-only material, including an introduction by legendary TV director Steve Binder, who brought the special to the screen, and additional scenes that aren’t in the final film, in addition to the debut of a music video by Latin music sensation Maffio, offering a salsa twist on Elvis' “Blue Suede Shoes.”
The special viewings of REINVENTING ELVIS comes two weeks before making its global streaming debut on Paramount+.
Produced by acclaimed music and film producer Spencer Proffer and his company Meteor 17, 'Reinventing Elvis' is directed by noted documentary filmmaker John Scheinfeld and executive produced by Bruce Gilmer and Steve Binder.
It takes a deeper dive into the making of the Comeback Special,
featuring interviews from some of the surviving performers and audience members (EIN contributor Joan Gansky was interviewed for this film - see her 68 Comeback article here), as well as Presley experts placing it in the context of the times and the singer's career. But as the filmmakers knew, director Steve Binder remains the final authority on this particular slice of rock history.
The now-90- year-old director shares some new stories from his one-on-one collaboration with Presley, and why he thinks that Tom Hanks should have gotten an Oscar nomination for his divisive portrayal of Parker in Elvis.
Binder explains that Elvis lived on the NBC studio lot during the shoot while his wife, Priscilla Presley, and their then-newborn daughter, Lisa Marie, were living elsewhere.
"Elvis had rented a home for Priscilla and the baby in Beverly Hills, and didn't want to waste time traveling back and forth".
As a consultant on Luhrmann's ELVIS, Binder had the surreal experience of watching his own history repeat itself as drama with the movie's stellar recreation of the Comeback Special.
Despite some factual liberties, Binder counts himself as a big fan of Luhrmann's ELVIS."Overall I was really pleased with it and I thought it served its purpose. People have seen it over and over again, and those who were never exposed to Elvis before got to see him." (News, Source:Hoyts/Paramount/EIN)
'How Tom Cruise helped Austin Butler get the starring role in ELVIS': Some interesting Sunday reading from author Trina Young.
... On the afternoon of February 13, 2023, newly acclaimed star of the 2022 ELVIS movie, Austin Butler, was photographed with Hollywood legend Tom Cruise at the Oscars luncheon in Beverly Hills, California. While first-time Oscar nominee Butler, and film icon, Cruise, exchanged chit-chat, little did anyone know how significant their connection was. By a twist of fate, Cruise enabled Butler to get his life-changing role in the box office hit directed by Baz Luhrmann called ELVIS.
Five years earlier, Butler was up for the role of “Rooster” in Top Gun:
Maverick. The character of Rooster was the son of Anthony Edwards’
iconic character in the original Top Gun. Edwards’ role as “Goose” was
Maverick’s (Tom Cruise) best friend and flying partner in the film.
Ultimately, the role of Rooster went to Miles Teller.
... “The thing that Austin Butler got the closest to was ‘Top Gun.’ When I cast that role.. I felt so passionate about Austin."
Continuehere to elvis-news.com for the full story (News, Source;TY/EIN)
'Elvis 1958: Farewell to the Young Man With the Big Beat': More fascinating Sunday reading.. from one of our favourite music sites Robert C. Gilbert's Listening Sessions'
Gilbert has done some very thorough research and captures the true importance of Elvis' last sessions as he heads into the army..
The essay considers the recordings Elvis made in 1958 as induction into the US Army loomed. Collectively, they are some of his finest and most fiery work.
....On Friday, December 20, 1957, Elvis Presley went to Nashville. He came from Memphis to give Colonel Tom Parker a BMW Isetta the next day in Madison, a suburb of Nashville where Parker lived, for Christmas. That day, Gordon Stoker of the Jordanaires, the quartet that had been singing backup with Elvis in the studio and in concert since June 1956, also stopped by Parker’s house to get the group’s holiday bonus cheques.
Stoker and Elvis got to chatting. With Saturday night meaning Opry night, Elvis wondered if Stoker was heading to the Ryman Auditorium. Wistfully, Elvis said he would go if only he had something to wear. Stoker arranged for him to visit a clothing shop and much to Stoker’s astonishment, Elvis picked out a full
tuxedo, cummerbund and all.
Elvis’ night at the Opry - revisiting the place where three years earlier, he experienced his first major setback after lightning struck on a hot summer night at Sam Phillips’ Memphis Recording Service in the form of a jittery, on-the-fly cover of Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup’s ‘That’s All Right (Mama)’ - was immortalized in a series of photos of him with a cross section of country music’s brightest lights: Johnny Cash, Ray Price, Brenda Lee, Faron Young and others.
While at the Ryman, Elvis also saw T. Tommy Curter, who was, among other things, credited as being the first non-Memphis disc jockey to play an Elvis record. In the first part of Peter Guralnick’s definitive biography of 'Elvis, Last Train to Memphis', Curter recounts his conversation with the singer that night.
Elvis told an incredulous Curter how lonesome he felt. He elaborated: “I can’t go get a hamburger, I can’t go in some little greasy joint. I can’t go water skiing or shopping.” It was of a melancholia that Stoker sensed had enveloped Elvis. He recalled to Guralnick that at the end of the night, Elvis proceeded to change back into the clothes he was wearing earlier that day before hitting the road back to Memphis. That new tux he just bought? Stoker watched as Elvis dumped the whole thing into a barrel.
Two days prior, he had finally learned what had long been speculated: he was going to be drafted into the United States Army. In early September, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black - the musicians who had been with Elvis since the very
start - sent a letter informing him that they were going to quit working for him. The final, humiliating blow was being denied the time they had been promised to record a few tracks at the end of a three-day session at Radio Recorders in Hollywood....
Click here to Robert C. Gilbert's Listening Sessions to continue reading. --- EIN highly recommended! (News, SourceRG/ElvisInfoNet)
(Book Review) 'Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie' (Trina Young): EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently sat down to read Trina Young’s fourth book about Elvis. Given its core intent, Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie is not a standard narrative, but rather, an illuminating treatise assessing degrees of fact and fiction in what was the most successful non-franchise movie of 2022, Baz Luhrmann’s spectacular assault on your visual and auditory senses, ELVIS.
For the core section of the book, Ms Young rates each scene based on four different criteria (note that for each scene it's time in the film is included). The author then provides narrative details for each of the last three criteria, the Storyline information often running to several pages. Her ratings for historical accuracy (truth) can be truly enthralling.
'Aloha From Hawaii' Re-Master promo: Fans can listen to "An American Trilogy" -- off the new ' Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite' out August 11!
Featuring expertly remixed new tracks of rehearsals and bonus songs by Matt Ross-Spang, this iconic concert is one to own. "An American Trilogy" is out now wherever you stream.
Listen here: https://elvis.lnk.to/AAT
"A.I." Elvis Studio Jams: Plenty of EIN readers contacted us about EIN's recent article on Elvis sings 'Poor Man's Gold'.
EIN states right away that"We do NOT need poor quality "Elvis Presley A.I." versions of every crappy song out there! But Unfinished Business was great to hear."
A lot of EIN readers could not believe that it wasn't actually Elvis as it was so damn close.
AND of course there is plenty more out there.
One that we would like to mention is by Elvis "Voice AI experience"
They sensibly state... "The intention here is just to share,
with those who appreciate Elvis like I do, some reasonably decent results using an A.I.-generated voice that bears a striking resemblance to Elvis. There's absolutely no intention for profit or any kind of monetization. Let's take it for what it is: an imperfect and whimsical make-believe, nothing more!
To those who don't appreciate AI-generated works, please kindly refrain from disturbing the ambiance with unnecessary comments. The reason for using excerpts with Elvis' voice is solely to demonstrate that the real voice and the one created by AI are indeed similar, and also, to make the video more enjoyable."
EIN loves the "Studio Jam" session feel he creates and it makes it sound very real with Elvis picking up and
running on various songs.
Personally I would note that the'El Paso / Jesse James' jam (CLICK HERE)was the cleverest - while'Most Beautiful Girl / We Had It All'was my favourite for hearing what Elvis might have done. At the same time stating that we are actually glad that Elvis never recorded / finished those songs. And THANK GOD Elvis' version of 'Feelings' was never put down on tape!
Go here to Elvis "Voice AI" for all their clips
July 14: Lisa Marie Cause of Death "Small Bowel Obstruction": Today the genuine cause for Lisa Marie's sudden death, like her father at all too young an age, has been revealed by the LA coroner as "Small Bowel Obstruction".
This sounds all so familiar with Elvis similarly suffering colon dis-function and related heart-failure.
As EIN pointed out back in January (see below) the Tabloid Media suggesting Depression /Diet/ Drugs /Suicide have always published pure bullshit that fan should ignore. . Poor Lisa Marie, poor Presley family.
... According to the medical examiner's report, Lisa Marie was facing a number of health issues ahead of her sudden death in January.. The report states that Lisa Marie's death in January was caused by a “sequelae of a small bowel obstruction"which developed after she underwent bariatric surgery several years ago. As noted on the report, the obstruction was in the form of strangulated small bowel caused by adhesions that can develop after weight-loss surgery.
According to the report Lisa Marie was found unresponsive at
her home in Calabasas by her ex-husband Danny Keough and died hours later after being hospitalized on January 12. Lisa Marie was feeling ill and had complaints of abdominal pain that morning; her ex-husband took her children to school that morning, and when he returned, he found her in cardiac arrest.
Lisa Marie also had severe metabolic acidosis, a buildup of acid in the body due to kidney disease or failure.
With a history of issues with blood sugar / blood pressure along with depression, she had also complained of feeling feverish, nauseated and vomited for months leading up to her death.
The toxicology results concluded that levels of oxycodone remained in LMP's blood at the time of death. Months prior she had
cosmetic surgery and was prescribed medicine for the pain; she later developed an infection and was admitted to the LA Robles Hospital. An antidepressant which treats opioid addiction was also present in her
system but did not contribute to her actual death. Drugs did not
contribute to her death, in fact there were
no secondary causes of death listed after small bowel obstruction. Her
manner of death has been determined to be natural.
Just like her father the report however notes that "The decedent had a history of overmedicating; she was known to forget she had taken her medications and would take them again."
Presumably, had the doctors been more aware of her old complication of the “small bowel obstruction" - which perhaps LMP ignored with the on-going publicity machine for the ELVIS movie - she could be alive today. Just like ELVIS, Lisa Marie put her heart and soul and health on-the-line for Presley fans.
(News, Source;Ap/ElvisInfoNet)
New Elvis Week 2023 Special Guests: The ELVIS WEEK "Elvis Music Salute" has added three new performers to join John Schneider and Jay Osmond as they celebrate Elvis Presley by sharing their favorite Elvis hits, their own music, plus stories and how they have been inspired by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
- Darlene Love: Singer and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Darlene Love performed alongside Elvis in the gospel segment of his 1968 NBC television special as a member of the Blossoms.
- Dennis Quaid: Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe nominee, actor Dennis Quaid is also a
respected singer-songwriter who’s been playing music since his grandfather bought him his first guitar. This will be Quaid’s first Elvis Week appearance.
- Pam Tillis: Grammy winner and Grand Ole Opry member, singer/songwriter Pam Tillis has sold more than 7 million albums and has had six number 1 radio hits. Tillis, with Memphian Kris Thomas, recorded a tribute called “Two Kings,” to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Elvis Presley. This will be her first Elvis Week appearance.
In addition, the following guests have also joined the Elvis Week line-up of guests. ELVIS 101 – August 14 Robert Dye: For 12 years, Robert work as a staff photographer at Graceland and oversaw the Graceland photography archive. Kristi Emmons: Kristi is the daughter of Dixie Locke, who dated Elvis in the 1950s. Kristi and her mom co-wrote the book, 'UNLOCKED: Memoirs of Elvis’ First Girlfriend' in 2021.
(Upcoming major book release) 'Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated and
Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 - Volume 1': After two decades of research, the first
volume in Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated and Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023, a
four-part book set, will be published in early 2023.
Written by EIN's Nigel Patterson, the four-volume set will contain around 2,000 pages and more
than 4,000 entries of Elvis books published in more than 30 countries.
Each entry will contain publication details and synopses for most entries. The set will feature color
images of many book covers and promotional material (2,000+ images in total).
Books covered are:
o English non-fiction releases
o English fiction
o Non-English non-fiction releases
o Non-English fiction
o Digital + Kindle edition books
o Elvis in Popular Culture releases
'Elvis in Print' is not a typical bibliography. In addition to being the first Elvis bibliography to feature
book covers and promotional material, it will also contain:
o Sidebars discussing controversial releases and other interesting Elvis book issues;
o Articles - the History of Elvis in Print, author features, the “first” Elvis book, the “most
controversial” Elvis book, and a lot more; and
o Lists – including Top 100 Non-Fiction Elvis books, Top 40 Fiction titles, and Prolific Authors.
Volume 1 (400+ pp) contains entries for around 750 books and focuses on the following English
language releases:
o A History of Elvis in Print
o Academic releases
o Biographies (including entries for Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley)
o Compendiums: Bibliographies, Catalogs, Discographies, Price Guides, Elcyclopedias, Quiz & Trivia books
o Conspiracy theories, Secret Friendships, and (seemingly) Tall Tales
o Culinary Elvis
o Deceptive titles
o Elvis and the Colonel
o Elvis and the Law
o Elvis as Art
o Elvis, Faith and Religion (including spirituality and psychic experiences)
o Elvis for Younger Readers
o Elvis in the Army
Volume 1 will be available initially as a "limited edition" hardback, and softcover release. More details and the 'Elvis in Print' Volume 1 book cover soon. (News, Source:EIN)
Trina Young Interview 'Fact vs. Fiction in the ELVIS movie':Elvis expert and author Trina Young has recently published her new book 'Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie: An Unauthorized Scene-by-Scene Analysis'.
Described as .. 'Out of respect for Elvis, this book clears up any misleading information or artistic license that may confuse people between what is shown in the film and what is true Elvis history. The purpose of this book is to offer a balanced side to the story.'
Having spent a lot of time recently explaining the true story-line of Elvis' amazing legacy to new fans - who have discovered ELVIS through the recent Luhrmann biopic- this book sounds fascinating.
After all, having been the most successful ELVIS movie of all-time getting down to the truth of the matter is pretty important.
Linda Thompson at Elvis Week 2023: Linda Thompson posted on Insta how much she is looking forward to being a guest at Elvis Week 2023. She wrote...
.. It’s amazing how many photos were actually taken of Elvis & me during the 4 1/2 years we lived together since there were no iPhones then! I am sharing with you just a few…
Most of the shots were taken by paparazzi or fans. If you want to know who spent the most time with Elvis in the last years of his life, all you have to do is scan the photos.
A few other “friends” may have passed through and gotten their photos taken once or twice, but they were just passing through. 😉 I was the constant in his life during those years.
I have been appearing at a few Elvis events this year & I am looking forward to sharing my rarified memories at Graceland’s “Elvis week” in August. Elvis has the most loyal and best fans in the world, and I am looking forward to seeing many of you there!
Two New FTD releases OUT NOW: Two of the three promised "late June" FTD releases are now at your dealers. The 'Houston, Fort Worth, Baton Rouge 1974' (3cd set) and 'Fun In Acapulco' special DOUBLE-VINYL.
- 'Elvis: Houston, Fort Worth, Baton Rouge 1974' (3xCD SET)
FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'Elvis: Houston, Fort Worth, Baton Rouge 1974'. Released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak, this set includes three shows from 1974. The Astrodome, Houston, Texas (evening show) March 3, Tarrant Convention Center, Fort Worth (evening show) June 15
and Louisiana State University Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, June 17 EIN NOTE: The Texas Astrodome concert has previously been bootlegged multiple times ie 'Event Number 8' / 8th Wonder Of The World.
It is a fascinating concert for only having Elvis' TCB band and without any orchestra. Hopefully the sound is vastly improved.
FTD have previously released 'Sold Out! CD1 - Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 1st' and alsoFort Worth, Texas 1974 June 16 Afternoon and Evening Show Go here to FTD / SONY News 2023 for full tracklists
- 'Fun In Acapulco' special 180 gram Double-vinyl set.
Inspired by RCA Victor's European release, this 180 GRAM double vinyl soundtrack companion features original soundtrack masters and many excellent alternative outtakes.
Includes Bossa Nova Baby, You Can’t Say No In Acapulco, Mexico, Marguerita and Fun In Acapulco
Bonus tracks include 'Witchcraft (takes 3/M)', 'Love Me Tonight (takes 6-8/M)' and 'Slowly But Surely (takes 5/M)'.
FTD collectors should note that the 'How Great Thou Art Sessions' 5CD collection of "complete" session Masters and outtakes - is officially delayed but will hopefully be out by the end of July.
Anita Wood (Brewer) had died: Very sad news that Anita Marie Brewer (Anita Wood) died Thursday morning of pneumonia at St. Dominics Hospital in Jackson, MS. She was 85.
Anita was born on May 27, 1938, to the late WA and Dorothy Wood in Bells, TN.
In her teens Anita Wood became a media personality, later radio dj and singer, she recorded for Sam Phillips' iconic Sun label and subsequently for the also Memphis based Santo label. She first met Elvis in July 1957 when she was on Wink Martindale's 'Top 10 Dance Party' Memphis tv show. George Klein introduced her to Elvis who invited her to Graceland. They became serious dates from 1957, through the army years, to 1962. Wood signed a contract to work for Paramount Pictures but gave it up to be with Elvis.
Later she married NFL football player Johnny Brewer for 46 years from 1965 until his death in 2011. She devoted her life to children. Anita raised three of her own and taught hundreds more as a preschool teacher at Woodlawn Baptist Kindergarten and Day Care. She was beloved by the children she taught and still had many of their pictures and notes among her possessions. She is survived by her daughter, Jonnita Barrett and husband Chad of FL, sons John Brewer Jr. and Sean Brewer. She had 11 grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Fisher Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Ave, Vicksburg, MS.
Back in 2012 Marty Lacker told EIN, "Anita was absolutely great for Elvis because she exhibited a real love for him and understood him very much back then. Fact is Anita was a lot like Elvis' mother in that regard. She is basically and fundamentally a good and friendly person who also got along greatly with those of us in the Memphis Mafia and was not threatened by us always being there.
I strongly believe that if Elvis had married Anita his life would have been much better and more enjoyable for him as well as her and would have turned out to be very different with him possibly not dying at such an early age. .. Anita was in the top two girls that Elvis dated - with that opinion of course based on our close, first hand observations.
Anita is still that good person to this day." RIP Anita Wood 1938 - 2023
For more read EIN's detailed review ofher book 'Elvis and Anita' (News, Source:vicksburgnews/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis, Ann-Margret, the filming of Viva Las Vegas (aka 'Love in Las Vegas'), the slap heard across Hollywood, (and more): The story of the behind-the-scenes filming of Elvis’ best and highest grossing film, Viva Las Vegas (released in 1964), is colorful, and one that had repercussions for Elvis’ subsequent films as well as a rare loss for Colonel Tom Parker.
Drawing on a wide range of sources, EIN’s Nigel Patterson takes a reflective look at the drama between star, manager, Ann-Margret, Viva Las Vegas film director and what it all meant.
“Virtual” Elvis Week 2023: For fans who are unable to visit Memphis for Elvis Week 2023, EPE announced that Virtual Elvis Week will return again this year! Virtual Elvis Week 2023 August 9-16, will allow viewers to celebrate via online experience with live concert events, Conversations with special guests, ETA contests and unique fan experiences.
Highlights include an Elvis Music Salute, Elvis ’68 Special and Aloha from Hawaii events, Conversations on Elvis, and A Celebration of Lisa Marie among others.
All shows included in each pass can be watched live, plus every event is rewatchable for 10 days - unlike last year - so fans can relive their favorite moments again and again.
There are three Virtual Elvis Week Pass options: The Elvis Super Fan Pass, The Elvis Tribute Artist Pass, and The Elvis Fan Pass.
The Elvis Super Fan Pass is the premium offering ($225) for the Elvis fan who doesn’t want to miss a thing. This pass features virtual access to all 9 Sound-stage events on Aug 9-16. Everything from ETA shows, concerts, conversations on Elvis and more! PLUS the special bonus of a pre-recorded virtual tour of Graceland the Entertainment Complex hosted by Angie Marchese, Graceland’s VP of Archives. The Elvis Tribute Artist Pass ($130) features access to the main Elvis tribute artist shows. The Elvis Fan Pass ($130) features access to five key events, Elvis Music Salute, ’68 Special Enhanced Screening, Conversations on Elvis, A Celebration of Lisa Marie and Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii 50th Anniv Concert.
For additional details and to purchase a pass, visit VirtualElvisWeek.com. (News, Source: Business Wire/EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: From King to Legend 72-73' Review: This new documentary is a unique in-depth look at the incredible 12 month period in Elvis' career that is often skipped through in the usual Elvis biopics.
In two parts it has been researched and produced by Elvis super-fan Dennis Laverty.
Once again he has assembled footage, interviews and memorabilia from hundreds of sources. Packed full of rare interviews plus fabulous old TV clips and pertinent commentaries from more than 40 of Elvis' associates.
Laverty explains, “In this documentary you will go on every Elvis tour and Las Vegas season, see short films from every show plus hear interviews from over 30 associates. The film is a positive one and hopefully after watching both parts the viewer will then ask, "What Happened to Elvis" that he could die four short years afterwards." EIN's Piers Beagley checks it out...
(Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Aloha from Hawaii' 50th Anniv Release for Elvis Week 2023: The official announcement is out "Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of 'Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite'" - To be released August 11, 2023. 'Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite' is the apogee of an astounding career trajectory that began with Elvis' return to live performance in 1968 with an electrifying "comeback" television special that restored him to pop dominance after a seven year hiatus from the concert stage.
By 1973 Elvis was a living legend whose status as the world's first atomic-powered singer in the 1950s had evolved into movie stardom before his return to live performance generated a new iconography of Elvis. His watershed global telecast was the first full-length concert by any musician to be beamed around the world over communications satellites newly orbiting the earth in ever increasing numbers.
A half century later, the live album and concert film from that performance are perhaps the most revelatory documents of the live shows that Elvis poured so much of his heart and soul into during the 1970s.
The 50th anniversary edition of 'Elvis Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite', newly remixed and remastered, will be out as a 3CD + Blu-ray combined package - as well as 2LP VINYL and on digital on August 11, 2023.
For the first time in one authorized package, the entirety of the original January 14, 1973 performance, the previous night's dress rehearsal with a live audience (recorded in case of technical mishaps during the satellite transmission), several bonus tracks inserted into the US broadcast of the event and a Blu-ray transfer of the concert film. The deluxe set includes a 28-page booklet featuring in-depth liner notes penned by lifelong Elvis fan /respected music critic Randy Lewis, rare photos and memorabilia from the event, Ernst Jørgensen and Matt Ross-Spang have fully remixed the album from the original 16-track live recordings, first captured on tape by esteemed mobile engineer Wally Heider and newly digitized for this release with audiophile 24-bit, 192 KHz transfers, to bring fans a fresh listen to what, for many, is the most treasured performance of Elvis' latter-day years on the road.
Jørgensen noted, "To me that is the biggest thing: Aloha never sounded this good and Elvis never sounded this good."
'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' Australia EXTRA DATES. The legend of Elvis must be rockin' HOT in Australia as another THIRTY
TWO performances have been added to 'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' tour Australia 2023.
Presented in partnership with ABG the new musical authorised by Elvis Presley Enterprises is coming to Australia. The Icon. The King. The story of a man who gave the world a musical revolution.
Another sixteen concerts have been added in both Sydney and Melbourne Sydney concerts are August 1 > September 10
Melbourne concerts are Sept 30 > November 26
Penned by acclaimed international writers, Elvis: A Musical Revolution is a new bio-musical exploring the extraordinary life of the award-winning cultural icon and rock ‘n roll superstar, Elvis Presley.
The Aussie premiere will be at Sydney’s State Theatre .
Led by award-winning producer David Venn, this brand-new production will explore pivotal moments in Elvis’ life from his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi through to his triumphant ‘68 Comeback Special. Featuring over 40 iconic Elvis Presley hit songs, audiences of all ages will have the chance to connect with the music of a generation that continues to have an undeniable cultural impact.
Tickets on sale now - in total NINETY SEVEN performances have now been booked. Go HERE for tickets and more information. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
"Elvis: From King to Legend 1972-1973" New Doco: In two parts, this is a new five hour documentary from Elvis super-fan and EIN contributor Dennis Laverty. It is a unique in-depth look at this incredible 12 month period in Elvis' career that is often skipped through in the usual Elvis documentaries.
As Laverty notes, “Regular documentaries seem to bypass 1972-1973 except for Elvis’ divorce and his last major hit of ‘Burning Love’. Madison Square Garden is never mentioned yet it was the catalyst in getting "Aloha From Hawaii" made. In this documentary you will go on every Elvis tour and Las Vegas season, see short films from every show plus hear interviews from over 30 associates.
The film is a positive one and hopefully after watching both parts the viewer will the ask, "What Happened to Elvis" that he could die four short years afterwards."
The interviews include Sammy Davis Jr, James Burton, Myrna Smith, Tom Jones, Mac Davis, The Stamps Richard Sterban, JD Sumner, Jim Murray, Ernst Jorgensen, Roger Semon, Glen D Hardin, Joe Guercio, Jerry Schilling and Priscilla Presley. The film is dedicated to Lisa Marie Presley. GO HERE TO VIMEO TO WATCH PART 1. It runs 2 ½ hours
EIN Note: This is a labour of love by a serious Elvis fan featuring fascinating footage and interviews that we would have all liked to have seen officially in celebration of Elvis' 1972 50th Anniversary. It is free and is a true celebration. Please find time this weekend to enjoy this lovely documentary.
EIN's detailed review will be posted very soon (News, Source; Dennis Laverty/EIN)
'From Elvis at Sun' Stereo CD Review: A new ‘From Elvis at Sun’ “Mono II Stereo” release from the Danish Memphis Mansion label.
The compilation includes the five classic SUN SINGLES plus the other nine alternate cuts that RCA would purchase from Sam Phillips.
Keen Elvis fans must surely have a serious fascination about how Elvis' early ground-breaking recordings were created.
Why do Elvis' classic rock’n’roll singles sound so good, especially given the low quality recording equipment of the time? And how were they laid down in the studio?
One way to discover the wonders of 50’s rock’n’roll inventiveness is to examine "stereo" versions of the old mono recordings and it is only since the creation of the cutting-edge audio process DES (Digitally Extracted Stereo) that we can do this.
Previous Mono <> Stereo versions have not quite made their mark. So is it possible that this new 2023 set can help fans appreciate the real magic and brilliance of Elvis at SUN? EIN's 2,600 word review by Piers Beagley looks in-depth at whether new upgrades in "DES" software can help create something special from these old SUN classics...
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
(Spotlight) 'Elvis biopic and Agent Elvis – Revisionist History and Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes?':In a thought-provoking 3,000 word article, EIN’s Nigel Patterson examines the impact of Baz Luhrmann’s film 'ELVIS' and the adult-orientated animation, Agent Elvis.
Undoubtedly in any mass-media the dehumanisation of Elvis is a real issue but marketing the man has always been more concerned with the “mainstream” commodification of his name since mid-1950s. So are these new millennium productions good or bad for how society views Elvis and which one will have the greatest impact? .. Read the article... Now Updated with YOUR comments
(Spotlight, Source:ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Presley: The Airplanes & The King' (Carlos Varrenti): The 3rd edition of Carlos Varrenti's book about Elvis and his airplanes has been published. The 1st edition was in Spanish and the revised, expanded 2nd edition (400+ pages), in English. However, the book was not widely available. The 3rd edition (285 pages) features new information but also has been edited to reduce the total number of pages and make the book affordable for more fans. Unlike the earlier editions this volume is available to all fans from Amazon sites!
The book is described as:
.. As an aeronautical engineer and lifelong Elvis Presley fan, I have always been fascinated by the King's connection to aviation. Since my first visit to Graceland in 2001, I have been compiling every detail I could find about Elvis and his planes - every short paragraph in a book, every video, every photograph, and every bit of information. Now, I am thrilled to share this wealth of knowledge and unique Elvis stories in the third edition of "The Airplanes & the King."
.. This book provides a detailed account of Elvis's aviation history, featuring photos and stories from 1955 through 1977. It offers a fascinating look at Elvis's life on tour from an original and compelling perspective. The book includes archival material, personal stories, and stunning imagery that will captivate aviation enthusiasts and Elvis fans alike. Whether you are a die-hard fan or simply curious about the King's connection to the skies, "The Airplanes & the King" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of aviation and popular culture.
EIN's Nigel Patterson read the 2nd edition earlier this year. Read Nigel's detailed review (News, Source: EDBD; Amazon/EIN)
While Adolf Hitler is dead, his son, Ivan, is very much alive and seeking vengeance for the death of his mother and father.
He also has access to technology which makes him a threat to the survival and security of the world.
And did I mention, Ivan is also an Elvis tragic!
'Elvis LIVE 1972' (double-LP) Review: On this brand new ‘ELVIS LIVE 1972’ double-vinyl release producer Ernst Jørgensen has cleverly included nearly all of the concert highlights from RCA's ‘On Tour’.
The album features a "best of" the four 'On Tour' concerts using one key section from each of the first three concerts (one per vinyl side) plus the missing unique tracks on Side D.
'On Tour' classics from Hampton Roads 'Polk Salad', 'Big Hunk O' Love', from Richmond 'It's Over', Greensboro 'Burning Love', 'Funny How Times Slips Away', 'For The Good Times' plus San Antonio 'Proud Mary', 'How Great Thou Art' are all included...
But if fans already own all these songs from the recent 'On Tour' box-set can this vinyl version really be worth buying?
This title was released on March 24 2023.
Book Review: 8mm Elvis - The Story of Elvis on 8mm': Long before the days of Bluray, DVD and VHS people watched home movies on 8mm film. '8mm Elvis The Forgotten Format' is a glossy, colour, hardback book cataloguing the history of Elvis on 8mm film.
Author Vince Wright has been collecting all the Elvis 8mm he could find since the 80s.
He explained.. “I was cataloguing all these films hoping someone would write a book about it – I waited, they didn’t, so I did.”
So in 2023, and after many years of searching and researching, the author has released his comprehensive narrative and visual record of Elvis on 8mm.
This book is unique in its narrative and visual content and is an important inclusion in the complex jigsaw puzzle that forms a complete record of the multi-varied story of Elvis Presley. Go here to read Nigel Patterson's review
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis On Tour' Box-Set In-Depth Review:The January 2023 'Elvis On Tour' SONY release is a 6CD / 1 Blu-Ray box set comprised of the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour.
Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 previously unreleased tracks, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang.
Elvis' April 1972 concerts were magnificent, so hopefully this expensive 50th anniversary release including newly remastered concert performances captures the magnificence and excitement of the movie and Elvis' stunning shows.
After fifty years surely SONY/RCA will get it right.....
Elvis Week 2023 tickets Now On Sale: This year’s Elvis Week, which runs August 9-17 will mark the 46th anniversary of Presley’s death.
Enjoy an unforgettable nine days filled with live music, panels, contests, tributes, screenings and more – all honoring the man, the star, the icon - the King of Rock 'n' Roll!
Elvis Week 2023 highlights include....
- August 16 Aloha from Hawaii 50th Anniversary Concert featuring Elvis on the big screen backed by a live band;
- ’68 Special Enhanced Screening with Elvis bigger than life in black leather
- Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and performances
- Conversations on Elvis, with those who knew Elvis best.
- A Celebration of Lisa Marie Presley with Jerry Schilling
- The annual Candlelight Vigil Special guests and performers include Linda Thompson, Jay Osmond, Sam Thompson, Jerry Schilling, Glen Hardin, Spencer Sutherland, Mike Deasy, Tanya Lemani George, Terry Mike Jeffrey, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, 10 Ultimate Elvis tribute artists, among others!
'Elvis: Let Me Be There 1974' FTD In-depth Review: A 3CD soundboard release from Elvis' January-Feb 1974 Las Vegas season and FTD's first new release for 2023.
Released as a 3-CD 5" digi-pak, this set features three 1974 concerts recorded via soundboard at The Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas on January 28, plus Jan 29 and Feb 1, 1974 Midnight shows.
So far FTD have only released one Dinner Show from this season .
The January 29, 1974 Midnight Show is totally new for collectorsm with the Jan 28 Dinner Show, and Feb 1, 1974 Midnight Show only been released as bootleg AUDIENCE recordings.
While the early 1974 performances are fine quality with new songs 'Help Me', 'Spanish Eyes', 'Let Me Be There', ‘Trying To Get To You’ and ‘My Baby Left Me’ in the set-list - the audio mastering here sadly leaves a lot to be desired. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley check out this 1974 triple- pack. (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
Anthony Stuchbury 'From Elvis At Sun' Interview: There are two new 'Mono II Stereo' releases about to come out from the Memphis Mansion label. 'From Elvis At Sun' features all of Elvis' SUN masters in new stereo versions while the 10" vinyl 'Best Of Elvis' is a neat stereo upgrade of the original HMV october 1957 UK album.
The question of whether Elvis' mono fifties classic recordings should be re-released in "new stereo" is hotly debated among hard-core collectors and so EIN wanted to ask Memphis Mansion's producer / audio engineer Anthony Stuchbury some key questions.
Questions including... - Do we really need stereo versions of these mono classics?
- Since EMI are officially releasing The Beatles in "new stereo" perhaps it is time for RCA / SONY to do the same for Elvis..
'ELVIS: Opening Night 1972' MRS CD Review: Elvis’ first 1972 Las Vegas season ran from January 26th through February 23rd, 1972. Elvis was in great shape both physically and vocally, and he was once again serious about performing.
While a large number of fans think that Elvis started losing inspiration and impetus after the power-year of 1970, his rejuvenation of his first live performances in 1972 demonstrate another more positive aspect. Introducing the new songs 'You Gave Me A Mountain', ‘I'll Remember You’ , 'A Big Hunk O'Love' and the brilliant 'An American Trilogy' would enrich Elvis’ live shows for the rest of his career. So while Elvis collectors may have heard the bootleg recording multiple times before, you have never truly enjoyed this concert, or appreciated its importance, until this sessional MRS audio Remaster.
Elvis was in superb form and this set-list - along with the new MRS audio remaster - is truly sensational. Check out EIN's detailed review here
(CD Reviews;ElvisInformationNetwork)
2023 UK Tour - Elvis Presley + The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, tickets on sale this Friday: Elvis never toured the UK, in recent years the magic of technology has made that possible with a series of acclaimed shows.
Hot on the heels of this year's hit Elvis biopic comes a return of 'The Very Best of Elvis – In Concert, Live On Screen with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra'.
The unique concert experience is coming back to the UK in autumn 2023, taking in a number of arenas.
"The full-scale concert brings the King up close on screen alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra live on stage performing the King of Rock and Roll’s most well-known 'rocking' songs and his tender, heart-wrenching ballads, with special guests to be announced in due course," said promoters.
'A show like no other, expect an overwhelmingly encapsulating and enthralling evening'
'These shows are a chance to both honour the legacy of an icon who has defined popular culture for over half a century, and for fans to see The King live, who never had the chance to before.'
The full Elvis with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra 2023 tour dates are as follows:
• 25 October – Glasgow OVO Hydro
• 26 October – Manchester AO Arena
• 27 October – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
• 28 October – Newcastle Utilita Arena
• 29 October – Leeds First Direct Arena
• 31 October – London The O2
• 1 November – Cardiff International Arena
Tickets available from Friday, Dec 2 from venues, or via ticketline.co.uk, bookingsdirect.com or ticketmaster.co.uk. (News, Source:MayerNissim, smoothradio.com/EIN)
'The Elvis RCA Camden Collection' EIN Spotlight:Most fans have had a love-hate relationship with Elvis' Camden collections. On one hand they are seen as an artistic misstep being released at a time when Elvis was back riding high on the charts saturating the market with a series of albums containing little-known songs. Yet on the other hand many younger fans used these budget collections as a way to enter the amazing world of Elvis’ vast back-catalogue.
The RCA Camdens featured the first release of an Elvis live recording, 19 previously unreleasedtracks and 58 tracks previously unreleased on an album. That is quite impressive even if Col Parker only had his increased revenue as the main goal.
Now updated with Readers' Feedback - Read this fascinating article and tell us YOUR THOUGHTSabout Elvis' Camden releases... EIN contributor Neil Colombari reveals all...
(Spotlight; Source;Neil Colombari/ElvisInfoNet)
(Book Review) Elvis Live At The International 50th Anniversary Edition (Kieran Davis): In 2011, Kieran Davis released the highly praised book, Elvis Live At The International. In 2022, he has published an expanded 50th Anniversary edition…and what an expansion it is!
The latest edition dwarfs the original with 432 pages compared to 172 in the original release.
And the added 250+ pages of additional material is stunning, making the 50th Anniversary release one of the best Elvis books published in 2022.
As its title reflects, the book covers Elvis' appearances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas between 1969 and 1971 (it was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton in July 1971). The narrative element is significantly based around fan, Peggy Elzea’s copious diaries, and a bumper array of archival material. Peggy’s experience seeing Elvis in Las Vegas is one every fan will envy. There is so much fascinating information and so many striking images in the book that it is hard to know where to start in describing it...
'ELVIS' DVD, BluRay, 4K OUT Now: Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' movie now released as DVD, BluRay and 4K Blu Ray, out September 13.
The BluRay review includes,, The 1080p transfer offers a very crisp and faithful representation of Elvis' specific appearance. Cinematographer Mandy Walker reportedly shot the entire film .. with custom "Elvis" lenses made from special glass. Meant to evoke the era in which it represents this formula genuinely produces an image evocative of a classic cinematic appearance. With the addition of artificial film grain, the illusion is even more convincing. Still, this is ultimately a purely digital image through and through, and one with a varied color palette that ranges from dark and muted to almost candy-colored in its overall intensity, especially in some of the specific background elements by costume and production designer Catherine Martin. Bonus features include
- Bigger Than Life: The Story of Elvis (22:22) The challenges and joys of adapting Elvis' life for the big screen.
- Rock 'N Roll Royalty: The Music and Artists Behind ELVIS (7:33)
- Fit for a King: The Style of Elvis (8:02) - An overview of the iconic stage outfits and period clothing used in the film.
- Viva Australia: Recreating Iconic Locations for Elvis (7:26).
- "Trouble" Lyric Video (2:15).
- Musical Moments (19 clips, 46:19 total) All of the music segments. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/Bluray.com)
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'Aloha From Hawaii' Deluxe FTD indepth Review: When seeking Elvis' key career highpoints, if one goes by the sales and the audience viewing numbers, there is only one answer. Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite. RCA’s double album of the show was released throughout the world in February 1973 and shot to the #1 spot in many countries including the U.S. It is certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA.
While in 2013 RCA/ Legacy released the '40th Anniversary edition' sadly the audio of the main concert left much to be desired.
In 2022 FTD released this upgraded 'Aloha From Hawaii' set with Matt Ross-Spang remixing the original broadcast - plus including the full after-concert 3am 'Insert Song' session in a 3-CD set. In 'large-size 8" format with 24 page booklet it is a stunning package.
(Interview) Alanna Nash talks to EIN: With the recent reissue of her best-selling book, 'The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley', renowned author, Alanna Nash, took time out of her busy schedule to discuss Elvis, the Colonel and other related issues with EIN’s Nigel Patterson, Elvis Day By Day’s Kees Mouwen, and prolific Elvis author, Paul Bélard.
In her candid interview, Alanna provides insightful commentary about the Colonel’s early years before coming to America, when he lost his way in promoting Elvis, the controversial source Byron Raphael, Lamar Fike’s finding about the rumor the Colonel was involved in the death of a woman in Holland, why Elvis didn’t take more control of his career, the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' biopic and much, much more...
Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
UPDATED- The collapse of the Elvis Bootleg Empire: Has Ernst won the war?’: Back in 1999 Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon convinced BMG to let them start the FTD collectors label in order to counteract the Elvis bootleg companies which had been selling unreleased material to fans since the very first vinyl bootleg 'Please Release Me' was issued back in 1970.
Of all the bootleg labels that have come and gone the 'Madison' label was one of the very few that always produced high-quality releases and which happened to start at the same time as FTD. The designs were top-notch and with detailed sleeve notes they easily competed with the legal Elvis releases.
In 2021 ‘Madison’ have returned with the new bootleg ‘A Legendary Performer Volume 9’ but all is not what was promised. The Elvis bootleg vaults are empty and FTD appears to have won the game. Go here as EIN’s Piers Beagley checks out the lack of new material and considers the bootleg era at an end... And EIN wants YOUR SAY -Our article is now updated with YOUR FEEDBACK - and more... (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Elvis "BACK ON DVD!": Paramount have re-released three classic Elvis movies this month on DVD. 'G.I. Blues'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1960... 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' - BACK ON DVD! The year was 1962... 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1966...
From Paramount Pictures.-
Release date: March 12, 2021.
From Amazon for $14.99. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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‘From Elvis in Nashville’ Box-set EIN In-Depth Review:
A 4CD collection presenting the definitive chronicle of Elvis' 1970 marathon sessions with the "Nashville Cats".
Recorded live in RCA's Studio B over the course of an epic five day run in June 1970 now, for the first time, the sessions are presented in pristine audio, newly mixed by acclaimed engineer Matt Ross-Spang without the added overdubs appearing on earlier releases.
Elvis’ 1970 Nashville session was very different from the previous Memphis sessions or even Elvis’ later sessions. Nashville was a real mix of Elvis recording RCA supplied demos along with one-take spontaneous favourites Elvis threw into the mix.
As Elvis noted, "It don't take much to get these guys going, boy, I'll tell you…. Just give them a "well..." and they're gone. That's what I call 'Sittin' on ready". EIN's Piers Beagley explores this new box-set to discover one of the best Elvis releases in years..
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
US CD box-set
US Vinyl
UK CD box-set
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‘TTWII 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition’ FTD Book Review: FTD's most expensive set ever published, David English and Pal Granlund bring the complete background story of 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is'. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the movie's 1970 release, this ultimate collector's edition includes two hardback books, eight cds with over 450 minutes of music,
including newly discovered unreleased performances.
With access to 2,000 original negatives and 35mm slides, restored and repaired, many of which have never been seen before, the book also contains items from the MGM and RCA archives including paperwork, documents, memos and recording information.
Two books, 600 pages, plus all the MGM recorded rehearsals - including 70 tracks officially unreleased.
FTD's most expensive set but with the vast majority of the rehearsals already out on bootleg, can it really be worth the US$270 plus postage. Initially Sold Out and already into its first reprint what makes it so desirable? EIN's Piers Beagley investigates and discovers plenty .. Go here to our 6000 word review including plenty of extracts and stunning images. (FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Amazon Deals on ELVIS Blu-rays - Beware of excessive prices at some Elvis dealers.
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'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: Rather like Elvis’s own career, each decade since Elvis’s death appears to have had a theme or identity of its own. Clearly the late 1970s were difficult for RCA as they struggled to find the right direction with which to take their posthumous releases, and so it was the 1980s that was the decade when the company slowly but surely learned how to look back at Elvis's legacy and start to make some sense of it.
The 1990s were when that reached a peak, with the decades boxed sets, and the Elvis in the 90s series, thus bringing virtually the whole catalogue back into print in a coherent way.
The 2000s were when errors of judgement at retail level started to occur (despite huge successes like Elv1s), but also when FTD came into its own and flourished. And so what will we make of Elvis releases of the 2010s when we look back on them from the future? Go here for EIN contributor Shane Brown's personal take on the highs and lows of Elvis product that has come our way over the last decade....
(Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ..."The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!" Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show. Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show. One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published- Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
Official Elvis CD Box-sets at bargain prices through Amazon UK
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
UPDATED - Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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EIN is a not-for-profit Elvis Fan Club website posting daily news and informative articles for Elvis Presley's legion of fans.
EIN tries to credit all news sources, as well as link to the original articles if excerpts are used.
If you believe we have used copyrighted material please contact us and we will remove it immediately.
EIN also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters along with free EIN members cds plus an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
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